About The Course
BIGWOOD REIMAGINED
BIGWOOD GOLF COURSE RENOVATIONS
In the fall of 2024, Bigwood Golf Course underwent major renovations lead by golf course architect, David B. Druzisky. At the core of the work, the goal was to improve upon the character and styling to establish a strong new and unique look, more in keeping with the native character of the area. The edges of the course will transition to a more natural unmaintained condition thus lessening the overall footprint appearance on the property. This allows maintenance resources to remain focused on the primary areas of play while areas beyond are allowed to naturalize with purpose and intent. The amount of green to the turf will ebb and flow with the season.
Key Renovations:
Greens Structure & Surfaces
The former green surfaces were stripped and tilled to break up material layering and compaction that had developed over years of topdressing and general use. Green sand material was added to each green and tilled again which loosened soil profile to improve air and water movement through the soil. Design adjustments to the contouring were then made to not only improve drainage but also create a more interesting design. The new Tl Bentgrass installed will provide superior putting surfaces throughout the season as they are more resilient to play and weather stresses.
Green Surrounds
The areas surrounding each green have been fully renovated, including the tilling out of the old turf and minor reshaping of the forms. Grade tie-ins to the greens are greatly improved, aiding surface drainage away from the area while adding some interesting movement for fun play.
Irrigation System Replacement
The ENTIRE irrigation system on the course has been replaced. The brand-new Rainbird irrigation system ensures efficient water use, promoting healthy turf while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, improvements were made at the source point in the Bigwood River ensuring the ponds are filled and correct water allotment.
Bunker Renovation & Redesign
The course bunkering has been reimagined with a new look and character introduced that is more in keeping with the native look of the area. This style allows maintenance to be lessened as a natural "wooly" look is adopted. With bunker sand distribution maintained, and the south facing grass faces watered when hot and dry, the bunkers should evolve into signature elements of the course.
Given the state of deterioration, all the bunkers were rebuilt to improved current standards. Some remain in their previous location while others have been relocated. A few unnecessary bunkers have been removed with a few new bunkers strategically added.Bunkers now have new sub-drainage and turf liners within the sub-grade to help slow the contamination by dirt and rocks from below over time. New bunker sand is slated for installation during the spring.
Path extensions
Areas at the beginning and end of the existing gravel and asphalt paths were very worn from early exit and entry activity. Paths have been extended to help better distribute entry and exit points over longer runs resulting in a much cleaner look.
New Maintained & Mowed turf Limits
A new limit of mowed turf has been determined that will be complimented by the new irrigation watering coverage. The concept is to employ one height of cut on the golf course (plus another height for greens), including through the teeing areas that are otherwise not defined with independent mowing heights. One transitional strip of intermediate height cut at the perimeter can be introduced if resources are available.
Additional design enhancements
Holes were re-numbered with the finishing hole now ending at the clubhouse.
Improved landing area in the middle of hole 1 (former #7).
Ponds enhanced and extended into a stronger position in the approach to 3 green (formerly #9).
Hole 6 (former #3) now relates properly to the ponds on the inside of the hole.
Repositioned green for the new 9th hole (formerly # 6) with a fun design with dramatic bunkering at the green.
New practice putting green at the clubhouse.
Enhancements at the practice range based on a new artificial turf tee and putting green.
Creation of a new social event gathering and activity area.
Grow-In & Turf Development
While sod installation is complete, continued maintenance is essential for optimal turf health.
Greens & Fairways will undergo topdressing, fertilization, and mowing to ensure smooth, consistent playing conditions.
Tee Areas will receive heavy topdressing and aerification to refine leveling and improve turf quality.
Outer Rough & Native Areas will be seeded with Fescue varieties to establish a sustainable, natural perimeter.
Bunker Sand Installation
Each bunker will receive 8-9 inches of Sunroc sand, with a gradual reduction on bunker faces. Once installed, sand will be heavily watered and compacted for optimal playability.
Final Touches
Additional compaction and leveling of gravel cart paths.
Fine-tuning of the irrigation system, including mapping integration and the installation of a new pump station in March.
