Some updates are being made to French Creek GC. And, yes, Gil Hanse is involved:
1.
The 4
th hole’s approach area is being flattened out. Today, balls hitting this area bound to the right down to French Creek, which was not the intent. Details - lift the sod in the approach area from the two front greenside bunkers into and around the green so that the approach can be lowered to better receive a shot and roll towards the green and not kick hard right towards the creek. In a perfect world we also look to “pad” out the green in a few areas to add additional hole locations on the green. As the vast majority of the green will not be disturbed the hole should be back in play in just a few weeks.
2.
The 14
th green will be rebuilt. Today’s green location was dictated by the original project manager, who wanted a wooded green site. Obviously, greens in the woods don’t work, and over time the trees were removed, the green dried out, but the green was a tough target, with lost balls to the immediate left of the green. It was obviously not the best green location, but the original project manager (who is long gone) insisted. Gil is still working on the design, but it’s expected to move/expand the green to the right.
3. (already completed) The 3rd green surrounds have changed. The rough behind the green has been pushed back 5-10 feet. Bentgrass sod has been laid down. The grass before the green on the right-hand side and replace with another type of grass from which pitches are better played. These little changes have made a big difference to the playability of the hole.These improvements should be done by mid-October, and we’re all looking forward to seeing Gil work his magic on his own course.The goal is to have everything ready for play in the spring.Photos courtesy of The Bausch Collection: http://myphillygolf.com/gallery.asp