39 The golf course at Atkins Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois – the home of the University of Illinois (UoI) golf teams – has reopened for play following a renovation by Drew Rogers. The layout has been rebunkered and fairway lines adjusted, with new tees adding nearly 400 yards to the scorecard total. “Our focus was on incorporating much more thought-provoking playing strategies into each hole,” said Rogers. “Our design approach promotes a very playable experience for the daily fee golfer, yet the course can be set up very easily to test collegiate players – and that was the goal for the golf programme at UoI: to have a proper home for the golf teams to test their skills and to attract events and recruits to one of the strongest collegiate golf programmes in the country.” Some bunkers were removed, particularly where they were not in play or only in play for shorter hitters, reducing sand areas by around 80,000 square feet. All bunkers now have Better Billy Bunker lining and ProAngle sand. “The course certainly has more visual appeal now with the new bunkering and fairway alignments,” said Rogers. On greens, a layer of thatch was removed, and sand mix added to refine the surface before planting a new 007 bentgrass variety. “We also reduced turf through the establishment of no-mow areas,” said Rogers. “And we balanced difficulty with added bailout areas around greens.” Rogers worked closely with the University’s team of men’s coach Mike Small, women’s coach Renee Slone, and project lead Jackie Szymoniak. Greg Korneta managed the project for Wadsworth Golf Construction. University of Illinois opens revamped golf course TEE BOX Photos: Drew Rogers Rogers says the updated bunkers and fairways will create more visual interest for players
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