Has the course changed as much as the look of the bunkering or is it a cosmetic change?
Tommy -- While the aesthetics were a huge part, the 9-month restoration was really all-encompassing. (see summary below)
1. We restored the approximate size, shape and dimensions of Maxwell’s original bunkers, which much larger than our 2012 renditions.
2. We reinstated some of Maxwell’s common bunker formations:
-- Scabs: "islands of turf", often called "scabs", were reinstated.
-- Big and Little Bunker Sets: Maxwell’s bunker systems tended to feature one large bunkers with a smaller one tagging along.
3. We revived the artistic character of Maxwell’s natural bunker style.
-- Jagged Edges: we recaptured Maxwell’s rugged bunkers with jagged-laced edges, rumpled lips, and exposed dirt face variations.
-- Native Plant Patina: we recaptured stalks of native bluestems, known as Broomsedge, which will once again envelope the edges.
4. We restored the original depths of our bunker floors. In coring out our bunkers, we identified their original depths by unearthing old sand layers and drainage tiles approximately two feet below the current bunker floors.
5. We returned to local creek-bed sand from the nearest harvester -- the Yadkin River.
6. We restored 68 bunkers in their original locations, and we added 9 bunkers in new locations.
7. We restored the close relationship and proximity between our bunkers/greens. An important element of the restoration was tying the bunkers and the greens back together seamlessly.
8. The double green was 8,200 square feet in 2012. The restored version is 16,300 square feet. We wanted it to closer resemble its source of inspiration at The Old Course -- home to seven large double greens.
9. We re-contoured hole 5 green which had lost it's Maxwell "rolls".
10. We expanded the size of the putting surface on nine (9) greens closer to their original foot prints.
11. We expanded the fairways from 35 acres to 52 acres to recapture the width revealed in the old aerial photos.
12. We repaved the cart trails (we re-routed some trails and removed others altogether)
13. We removed dozens of huge trees which had outgrown their welcome.
14. We re-constructed over 22 tee boxes by slightly adjusting their distance or their orientation to the fairway.
15. Native area work will commence in the fall.