New Fazio layout takes shape at Driftwood in Texas

Construction of a Tom Fazio-designed golf course is progressing at Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club, a new residential community near Austin, Texas.

The golf course is part of a $250-million development project that will see Driftwood become a Discovery Land Company destination. “It continues the theme of an ultra-exclusive service centred around an 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course,” said Eric Puls, director of agronomy at Driftwood. “The project is two 400-acre parcels: one parcel is for the golf course and the other for Discovery’s outdoor pursuits programmes.”

Construction on the golf course, which is set among rolling hills, oak trees and natural limestone rock, began in January 2019. The entire site was sandcapped and a Rain Bird irrigation system has been installed.

Seven holes on the back nine include water features, from winding natural creeks to large lakes. Natural wetlands and wildlife habitat corridors have also been integrated into the site.

Zeon Zoysia grass, supplied by Bladerunner, is being used on tees, fairways, rough and green surrounds, while the green surfaces are 007 bentgrass. “The benefits of Zeon Zoysia are its low maintenance requirements,” said David Doguet of Bladerunner Farms. “Less water, less chemicals, less fertiliser and less mowing, while still providing a premium playing surface.

“Big rolls of Zeon Zoysia are rolled out like carpet. There is immediate coverage, so no erosion. Every time the earthworks is finished on a hole, the big rolls of Zeon Zoysia are installed. The grow-in is immediate.”

Fazio has also designed a short game area, with a stream running between its three greens. “The top players may never leave the practice facilities because they’re the best they’ll ever see,” said Fazio. “When they play the course, they’ll never want to leave. That’s not hype, that’s just the fact of the place we’re creating here.”

The course is expected to open in autumn 2021.

This article first appeared in the April 2021 issue of Golf Course Architecture. For a printed subscription or free digital edition, please visit our subscriptions page.

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