13 such, the club sought to recognise and restore this history with a thoughtful renovation. WAC Golf architect Rod Whitman and I broke ground on a course-wide renovation in autumn 2021 following overwhelming member approval. The project saw holistic upgrades to the bunkers and irrigation system. The bunker forms were changed significantly to better reflect the original styling of the golf course. Grassed-down, steep, and rumpled faces were created in various forms to emulate a late 1910s, Long Island-inspired, motif. Furthermore, new greens were created at holes three, six, seven, sixteen and seventeen. Thoughtful contour, both large and subtle, were crafted by our experienced design team. The new greens have been so well received by members that there have been rumblings to do more work in a few years’ time. The last layer to these improvements has been a focus on mowing lines. Shortgrass areas of play have been vastly expanded, creating new recovery areas around greens, and improving the relationship between the bunkers and the fairways. New strategic angles of play have been produced through new turf and selective tree removal. We have also stretched the shortgrass right to the edge of hazards. The result is a thoughtful renovation which should enthral every level of golfer and bolster Brantford’s already sterling reputation in Canadian golf. Though members have played many of the renovated holes already, because they have been completed in phases, the full experience of the renovated Brantford will become available in spring 2023. The success of this project could not have been achieved without the support of Brantford’s membership, green committee, board, and management team. A special debt of gratitude needs to be extended to Dr David Pugh and golf course superintendent Stephen Hicks (and his dedicated team) for their unwavering support during the project. WAC Golf associate Kurtis Lavis did a fantastic job in helping to implement our vision. Finally, RC Golfworks, Future Green Irrigation (under the direction of irrigation consultant Tim Fredericks), Hutcheson Sand & Mixes, and Greenhorizons Sod Farms provided the materials, infrastructure, and quality to help deliver the finished product. For more on WAC Golf, turn to page 60, or visit www.WAC.golf The WAC team has created short transitions between greens and tees, like here between the third and fourth holes Photo: Andrew Harvie
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