Greenbrier News
Posted: 10/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
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Old White Course Modifications Underway in Preparation for The Greenbrier Classic
Modifications to the Old White Course are underway at The Greenbrier in preparation of the 2010 Greenbrier Classic. Resort officials have worked with Lester George of George Golf Design, the firm that restored the course to its original 1914 design, as well as key individuals in the PGA TOUR’s design services and agronomy areas.
“We are very fortunate that only minimal modifications are necessary,” said Robert Harris, director of sports and recreation for The Greenbrier. “Our team, Lester, Steve Wenzloff and Cal Roth with the TOUR, have created an aggressive, yet realistic plan that will make the course more competitive and appealing for the world’s best players.”
Agronomic, or turf quality, improvements were identified as the highest priority. These upgrades include extensive fairway drainage on holes 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16 and 17. In addition, the #1 tee will be re-graded to increase the size of the back tee area.
Six new tees, on holes 2, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 17, will be created to lengthen the course to over 7,000 yards. The fairways on 4, 9, 10 and 17 will be narrowed and new bunkers added to 11 and 17. Also, on holes 16 and 17, the bluegrass rough along the green will be converted to bentgrass, to create a challenging collection area the will require a more skilled recovery.
The practice tees and putting greens at the resort will also be enhanced, which will benefit not only the PGA TOUR players, but resort guests as well. The new putting green will have L 93 bentgrass, the same that is used on The Old White Course.
