SHARON HEIGHTS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Project
After the recent renovation, this is now essentially a completely new golf course and experience for the members, a complete transformation or re-imagining really. The increased widths in the fairways and hole corridors allow the golfer to play one side of the hole or the other, generally, to gain advantage into the green or hole locations. There is now more than one way to play the hole. The wider corridors also create a more grand scale and the views across the property have been recaptured. The style and scale of the bunkering lends a dramatic aesthetic. Also, the new bentgrass fairways, approaches and greens allow the ball to bounce and roll, the ground game can be played as an option and that is a much more interesting playing experience. The members are finding their new course incredibly fun and engaging to play.
Renovation Work Completed
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A re-forestation effort to remove mostly redwood trees that had been planted over many decades after the course opened, returning the course to a more native Oak palette. Also a concerted effort was made to have the remaining trees in groves more than in un-natural, regimented lines or rows.
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Renovated all tees, adding some for distance, simplifying others into larger, fewer surfaces for more options and less wear/tear and adding some forward tees. All have a natural, free-form shape.
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Renovated all bunkers to be easily accessible from the front entrance but with a very dramatic, flashed appearance on the green-side.
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Renovated all green surrounds, introducing lots of wider, short-cut approaches which allow the golfer to bound the ball in. Similarly, wider, much larger chipping areas around the Greens (which used to be all rough beforehand) create options for the golfer in their short-game.
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Renovated all Greens to be a bit larger, and much more varied and interesting in general. Many feature "feeder slopes" allowing the golfer to get to a hole location on the ground. Many feature "fall-offs", making outer hole locations more challenging than they may appear.
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Creation of seasonal creeks and natural meadows in low areas that were previously wet, boggy areas of maintained turf.
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Substantial turf reduction/landscape areas on peripheries (nearly 25 acres total)
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All areas but roughs were sand capped and seeded to bent-grass varieties.
Awards and Recognition:
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Best Modern Private Course Renovation – Sports Illustrated
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2024 Golf Inc Magazine Renovation of the Year – 1st Place Private Clubs
"“The use of native spaces, seasonal creeks, multiple varieties of grass specifically chosen for our climate and bunkering worthy of magazine covers has created a very appealing aesthetic and massively improved strategies and playing conditions.”
Aaron Grant, General Manager