By Len Ziehm
The demand for new upscale golf courses continues to expand with big name designers currently renovating, or adding new courses to existing resorts, as well as creating completely new golf destinations. Here are a few new projects currently underway.
Reynolds Lake Oconee
Famed architect Tom Fazio is returning to this beautiful Georgia resort to add nine holes on the existing Bluffs nine on the National Course, which will result in a completely new 18-hole layout.
Fazio originally designed the first 18 holes at the National course, which opened in 1997 with two nines, The Ridge and The Bluffs. He returned to add the nine-hole Cove in 2000, to meet the ever-growing demand at Reynolds Lake Oconee.
The new nine will be attached to the existing Bluff nine and be built on land that includes a creek, natural boulders and an existing pond. The tract slopes down to a cove of Lake Oconee and includes more than 100 feet of elevation change.
It is scheduled to open in late 2024 and will be private, accessible only to Reynolds Lake Oconee members. The membership will have two private 18-hole championship courses, as well as the other 90 holes available for resort guests to play.
Myrtle Beach
The folks at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the World Amateur Handicap Championship. It’s rightly billed as the “World’s Largest’’ tournament and registration has already topped 2,400 for the event that runs, August 28, to September 1.
The tourney normally draws about 3,200 competitors with players coming from all 50 states and over 25 countries, but this one could be even bigger. Players are flighted by gender, age and handicap. Over 50 courses will be used during the week of competition as golfers compete for over $100,000 in prizes.
Cragun’s Resort
The season is just getting underway at this 36-hole facility in Brainerd, Minnesota. The Lehman 18, is a part of a multi-million-dollar renovation supervised by Minnesota native and PGA Tour Champions player Tom Lehman.
The Dutch 27 at Cragun’s includes three nine-hole layouts dubbed the Red, White and Blue. They offer a variety of playing options, although the Red course is set to undergo a Lehman renovation and will be closed beginning July 1 and won’t re-open until 2024.
Walt Disney World
The world-famous Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando currently has four courses operated by the Arnold Palmer Management firm. World Disney World just concluded its 50th anniversary festivities and will begin work towards its centennial with a renovation underway to its Magnolia Course.
A Joe Lee design, it’s the longest of the Disney courses and hosted a PGA Tour event for several years. An extensive renovation has limited play to 14 holes, but the course will be at full strength before the year is out. The 14th through 17th holes are being reconfigured and all 18 greens are being enhanced.
In keeping with a family theme at Disney, a new putting course was added that is perfect for a family golf day, while visiting the parks.
Rodeo Dunes
Be on the lookout for a new project from Michael and Chris Keiser, sons of famed golf course developer, Mike Keiser and owners of Wisconsin’s Sand Valley. They are building a new golf destination in the Denver area with two new 18-hole courses. The tract has additional space for as many as six courses. Knowing the Keiser reputation for success and creating memorable golf resorts, this should be yet another diamond in the growing Keiser golf empire.
Pinehurst
North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort is adding a tenth course, and Michigan resident, Tom Doak is designing it.
In addition, the Southern Pines Golf Course renovation is progressing and is now open for play. It is a wonderful Donald Ross design and fits nicely with Pine Needles and Mid-Pines to create the perfect Pinehurst golf getaway.
Back 9 Report talked with Kelly Miller, who is the CEO of Pine Needles, Mid-Pines and their newest course, Southern Pines. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGkcogNghoQ&t=17s.
GrayBull
The Dormie network is adding its seventh destination, GrayBull in the sandhills of Nebraska. Construction of the David McLay Kidd creation has started, but the course will not be ready for play until next year.
The golf industry continues to grow and the demand for new places to play has never been more prominent. When you are making your travel plans add one of these great destinations to your itinerary.
