Historic Florida work

Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club will soon undergo construction work on its 1969 Pete Dye design.

Architect Scot Sherman has been working with the club for four years to study the old course, assemble member input and complete a master plan which brings back features to the course that have been altered over the years.

“We call this a ‘sympathetic restoration’ since we’re not sure how else to refer to the work we are doing,” Sherman said. “Some of what Pete built originally can be recreated, but some things just cannot due to changes made to the layout for 50 years. So, along with much input from members, study of the old course photos and recounting some conversations with Mr. Dye, we formulated a plan. The course will be a combination of these original features, some restored green contours, and inspiration from Pete’s other designs built in the late 1960s and early 70s – make no mistake, Pete is the architect of this course!”

Dye was quoted in his book “Pete Dye Golf Courses, Fifty Years of Visionary Design” as saying, “Both Alice and I have special feeling for Delray Dunes, the first course I ever designed in Florida. I’m always interested in what’s going on over there. I guess that’s why I’m always stopping by, offering suggestions, and making improvements. I want the course to be the best it can be, and it’s a labor of love for me to continue refining it.”

“As Delray Dunes welcomes more families, we will certainly add a focus on player friendly aspects of the layout,” Sherman added. “Miss Alice always reminded all of us who would listen that courses needed to be playable by everyone. Rest assured, while the Dyes remembered all skill levels, they also built courses that were always interesting and could be set up to challenge even the best players – we will follow that lead and make sure their course meets this standard.”

Along with architecture alterations, the project includes a new irrigation system, restoration of sandy shell areas throughout the layout, bulkhead upgrades in the Dye style, infusion of “dune” plantings as a nod to the nearby beaches, and major improvements to the practice areas.

MacCurrach Golf Construction will work with Delray Dunes and Sherman to handle all aspects of the construction. Work begins March 4 with opening scheduled for the early fall of this year. David Tandy is the club’s superintendent.