National Course At Reynolds Plantation to ReOpen

[GolfSpy Tim]

Greensboro, Ga. (April 3, 2014) – Spring is the season of re-birth, and there is no better example of what the spring can bring than the re-opening of the Tom Fazio-designed National golf course at Reynolds Plantation.

Over the past nine months, the award-winning 27-hole masterpiece has undergone an extensive program of upgrades, fixes, and replanting. All putting greens were converted from bent grass to Champion Dwarf Bermudagrass, and every green collar improved.

Bunkers were fitted with the “Better Billy Bunker” system, a process named for former Augusta National superintendent Billy Fuller, who consulted on the renovation project.  The advanced bunker-building method utilizes a sprayed-in polymer liner that dramatically improves drainage, reduces silt contamination and provides greater resistance to erosion. Many of the bunkers also had their edges reshaped, to allow for more effective maintenance and better grass growth. Furthermore, with the blessing of original architect Fazio, 10 bunkers were strategically removed while some of the remaining 76 were reduced in size.

Along the fairways and around those greens, excess foliage that had encroached upon the course over time was removed. As a result, turfgrass and putting surfaces will now receive additional air and sunlight, crucial to their long-term health and playability. Removal of superfluous greenery improves the visual framing of the course from the player's perspective, thus enhancing the overall golf experience.

“In the past, you could catch glimpses of the lake during your round,” says Mark Lammi, vice president of golf operations for Reynolds Plantation. “Now, things are opened-up to better reflect the original design and the lake will be a major focus. Players will be much more aware of the lake setting and have the advantage of improved views as they approach the wonderfully rebuilt green complexes.”

“I'm very excited about the recent improvements made to The National course,” says Fazio, who was in close contact with the Reynolds team throughout the renovation project. “These renovations will improve the golf experience at The National for years to come. This project is evidence of the ownership's commitment to quality and the long-term success of the community.”

Also part of the project, all comfort stations on the course were refurbished, while crews have begun an ornamental-grass planting program that will further enhance the natural areas surrounding the course. Meanwhile, plans are in the works for the building of a new National clubhouse, which is expected to break ground later this year and open in 2015.

“The reopening of The National course marks the completion of the fourth course renovation in less than two years,” says Lammi. “This collection of courses, combined with the Reynolds Golf Academy, the TaylorMade Kingdom and our extensive member programming, allows Reynolds Plantation to deliver a golf experience that truly cannot be found anywhere else.”

Weather permitting, the “new” National will open for play just in time for the perennial return of guests that accompanies the The Masters tournament in nearby Augusta.

All six courses at Reynolds Plantation will be open during Masters Week, April 7-13, with new hours going into effect as of April 14.