Virginia course completes multi-phase renovation

Potomac Shores Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design in Dumfries, Va., recently completed a multi-phase course enhancement project which included re-grassing fairways and bunker renovations. Chad Goetz from Nicklaus Design and Troon’s agronomy team led the 10-month project with Southeastern Golf construction company serving as the contractor.

 

Phase One of the course improvement project was completed in September 2018 and focused on replacing bentgrass fairways with Latitude 36 Bermudagrass. Phase Two began in mid-October and involved eliminating and renovating bunkers. The total number of bunkers decreased from 77 to 74, while the total square footage of bunkers was reduced by 40 percent, from approximately 103,000 square feet to approximately 63,000 square feet.

 

"It was our pleasure to return to Potomac Shores Golf Club,” said Goetz, a design associate, Nicklaus Design. “The project was focused on restoring all of the bunkers on the course while increasing playability and improving the daily playing conditions. In order to improve maintenance efficiency, numerous bunkers were reduced in size or eliminated. Combined with the Capillary Concrete liner system, the bunkers should weather heavy rain events better and have reduced contamination. While several bunkers were eliminated in this project, a handful of previously eliminated bunkers were re-installed to restore Jack's original design intent. Finally, several deep bunkers were shallowed out in order to make the course more enjoyable for its daily-fee clientele. All of this was done while preserving Jack's original design intent and strategies."

 

Potomac Shores Golf Club opened for daily-fee play in May of 2014. 

 

“Our goal from the onset was to improve the playability of the golf course allowing golfers of all skill levels to enjoy themselves. I am happy to say that we achieved our objective,” said Todd Van Meer, PGA, director of club operations, Potomac Shores Golf Club. “With the new sand and bunker improvements, the course is not only more beautiful but the overall playability has improved.”