Tripp Davis completes bunker project at Sonoma

Tripp Davis and Associates has completed a bunker project at Sonoma Golf Club in northern California.

“It is part-renovation to install a sustainable structure for the bunkers, part-restoration of the style of the original architect Sam Whiting, and part-redesign to position bunkers to fit the modern game with more strategic interest,” said Davis.

“Sam Whiting was the original golf architect of the Olympic Club in San Francisco, where he exhibited a simple but very elegant style for his bunkers. That was his style at Sonoma back in 1928 and I could not be prouder of what we have done there.”

The 16-week bunker project was completed in October and is part of a larger masterplan to improve the course and practice facilities at Sonoma, which is owned by Escalante Golf.

“Sonoma Golf Club has always been a hidden gem in the Sonoma Wine Country,” said head golf professional Tony Marshall. “Having spent a tenure of 19-plus years at Sonoma, I have witnessed how the golf course has changed. Over time, golf courses require attention to detail and some changes are needed.

“Tripp clearly wanted to create an historic look, while adapting to the modern game for all levels of golfers. His course enhancements will continue to challenge the competitive golfer through new shots and sightlines. Importantly for our members, the renovated bunkers provide easy access to walk in and out of. Members are buzzing with delight at ‘the new Sonoma’.”

Davis and his associates, Kyle Downs and Jason Gold, worked on the project with golf course builder DHR Construction. “DHR was integral to the bunker renovation going so well at Sonoma,” said Davis. “They followed Jason’s lead on the ground and were easy for us all to work with. They were as committed to doing great work as we are.”

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