In April 2018, Shadow Wood began the summer-long renovation of its South Course, led by world renowned golf course architect, Rees Jones. The North Course renovations he and his team completed last summer were met with very positive accolades from our membership and we are confident and excited about his proposed plans for the South Course. To see Rees Jones’ master plan for holes 1-9, please click here. To see the master plan for holes 10-18, please click here. We are currently 4 months into the renovation and our Golf Course Maintenance team has reported that it is going on schedule and the results are phenomenal thus far. Throughout the journey, our Director of Agronomy, Eric Ruha, has documented the progress of this huge project. Read all about his thoughts and observations from this renovation below!
April 19, 2018:
We are now completing the 9th day of construction on the South golf course led by Architect, Rees Jones along with his associate, Bryce Swanson. The weather conditions are perfect for construction and will keep the crews moving in the right direction.”
May 5, 2018:
“The construction crew is moving along nicely on the back nine of the South course with these dry, warm days. They enter their 5th week of work on May 7th. We are looking forward to a two day visit from Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson to approve some green surfaces this upcoming Monday and Tuesday. We are tentatively scheduled for Tiff Eagle green planting the last week in May on holes 10 through 18.”
May 9, 2018:
“Construction continues to progress on the back nine South. Our most recent tour from Rees Jones this past week was very productive with the approval of several green surfaces and the placement of some specimen oak trees. These trees will be in strategic areas of the rough and will frame the holes from the tees in certain areas.”
May 30, 2018:
“This May is on the books for receiving a record amount of rain in a short amount of time. We are working closely with the construction company on the South to keep on track. We are working towards a day to grass the back nine greens with #18 and the large putting green being constructed as we speak. When the greens are ready, the Tiff Eagle, Ultradwarf Bermudagrass sprigs will come in from Georgia and will be hand planted on the approved greens surface from Rees Jones.”
June 13, 2018:
“We have achieved a special milestone with the South course renovation project! Greens were grassed upon final approval from Rees Jones last Thursday. Pike Creek Turf Farm brought a crew down to hand shake the harvested sprigs and cut them in with a tractor/roller. They completed the back nine and the large practice putting green by 2 p.m. that day. My team then waters on a nonstop schedule during the heat of the day. New sprigs require constant irrigation in the first few weeks as there is no significant root structure to sustain the tiny plants.”
July 23, 2018:
“The South course renovation continues to move along smoothly. Last week's milestones are as follows:
- Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson toured the course on Monday, July 16.
- Bunker lines and contours were approved on the final bunkers to be completed on #18 and the entire front nine.
- The last three greens surfaces (7, 8 and 9) were approved for grassing on all nine greens, July 19.
- Greens were grassed in Tifeagle Ultradwarf Bermuda on Thursday, July 19, as scheduled with Pike Creek Turf's crew out of Georgia.
- The back nine greens completed their 45th day of growth yesterday as we enter the 7th week of grooming this new turf.
- Rees and Bryce were impressed with all progress and processes.”
August 13, 2018:
“The South Course renovation remains on schedule and is going well! In the first photo, we can see hole #10 with some nice Tifeagle Ultradwarf greens that are now in their 10th week of growth. While they look green and lush, many more practices still need to be accomplished this summer to have them smooth and true and ready for play this season. In the second photo, looking from the back of the green of hole #2, we can see the newer Tifeagle greens turf at just 3 weeks old. These greens will catch up to the back 9 soon with the dedication and hard work from your Shadow Wood maintenance team!”
We are looking forward to unveiling the finished renovation project to our members and their guests this season. Stay tuned for more updates as our Golf Course Maintenance team continues to make great strides towards completion of the South Course renovation!
