Multi-year bunker renovation commences at Michigan club

Golf course architecture firm C.W. Golf Architecture has started a two-year phased 18-hole bunker renovation at the Country Club of Jackson.

Course architect and owner of the firm Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, described the project as the “next phase” of his 2017 master plan which includes a complete bunker overhaul on the back nine “The Woods” this fall and on the front nine “The Pines” in fall 2024. Wilczynski is overseeing the work executed by golf course construction company TDI Golf and course superintendent Ian Daniels, CGCS.

“Repairing the extensive bunker deterioration on The Woods/Pines courses has been an ongoing discussion and a high priority for the club; I’m excited the project is moving forward,” Wilczynski said. “The focus is to restore the aesthetic of all existing bunkers with a high sand flash style and incorporate the Better Billy Bunker liner which will greatly improve drainage, playability, and maintainability. The project also involves the repositioning of many fairway and greenside bunkers to present a greater challenge for today’s golfer."

Leading up to the project, Wilczynski has managed other course improvements, including the expansion of greens to their original sizes, selective tree removal, the addition of forward tees and the establishment of new, environmentally sustainable native grass areas.

The 18-hole course measures 6,773 yards from the longest tees and was established in 1926 by English designer Arthur Ham, who at one point had worked as a field superintendent for Donald Ross.

Wilczynski’s revised master plan and the bunker renovation project was approved by the club in 2022. Construction work on The Woods is expected to conclude in November.