Renovation two-timers

Bobby Weed Golf Design and MacCurrach Golf Construction have successfully completed a nine-month modernization of the Lagoon Course at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Previously renovated by Weed and MacCurrach in 2007, the tandem used their knowledge of the north Florida property to restore Weed’s design and upgrade critical infrastructure, turfgrass varieties, playability and agronomic efficiencies.

“Led by Herbert Peyton, chairman of Gate Petroleum, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has entrusted our firm for nearly 30 years to guide the evolution of the Ocean and Lagoon Courses,” Bobby Weed said. “The Lagoon’s shorter layout, with numerous half-par holes, offers a diverse, faster playing experience that perfectly complements the bolder Ocean Course.”

The front nine was designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1961. The back nine was added by Joe Lee in 1978. In 2007, Weed redesigned and lengthened the par 70 layout to 6,025 yards.

The following elements were included in Weed’s latest project at the resort:

Greens

All golf course and practice greens (20 total) were rebuilt to USGA standards and grassed with TifEagle Bermudagrass. Original green sizes were restored. Intricate contouring was enhanced to accommodate modern day green speeds. New irrigation surrounds on all green complexes were added to more efficiently control and manage watering inputs.

Grassing

Tees, fairways and roughs were re-grassed wall-to-wall with TifTuf Bermudagrass. The bright green characteristic of the turf provides a striking contrast alongside the native coquina shell areas that flank the edges of many holes.

Bunkers

Bunkers were restored to their original flat-bottomed design. New drains, liners and sand were installed throughout the golf course.

Practice facility

Adjacent to the first tee, the practice putting green was significantly enlarged. The chipping green was redesigned and lowered to better maximize the overall utilization of the playing area.

“Following his award-winning renovations to the Ocean Course in 1998 and 2020, Bobby was our first call when it became time to modernize the Lagoon Course,” said Jeff Hanson, director of golf at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. “Ongoing infrastructure improvements are critical to maintaining our high standards. We appreciate Bobby Weed Golf Design for their decades-long relationship and personal commitment to our club.”

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club director of agronomy Joey Flinchbaugh assisted the Lagoon Course renovation by overseeing construction and managing the turfgrass grow-in.