‘One of our best transformations ever’

Twenty-five years after its last renovation of note, Valdosta (Georgia) Country Club is nearing the completion of an extensive expansion and restoration project involving Duininck Golf and architect Bill Bergin.

“We are extremely excited to partner alongside VCC and Bergin design for such a historic project in south Georgia” said Sam Duininck, director of business development at Duininck Golf.

Valdosta Country Club is an example of a venerable club. The club opened in 1917, suffered major losses in a 1958 fire, reopened in 1959 and expanded in 1968. Two of the three current nines were revealed in 1977, with the other added in 1988. The club added more amenities, reworked the course through the 1990s and renovated the clubhouse in 2015.

The club isn’t shy about investing and reinvesting in its successes. As Valdosta’s social and recreational epicenter, the membership decided it was time to reassess its golf course.

“Bill Bergin had been on our radar for a while,” general manager and director of golf Cary Brown said. “Personally, I enjoy his style of architecture and seeing some of his other projects similar to ours, and how his bunkering and design work always seem natural and not fabricated. We were hoping he would be available and willing to work with us.”

Bergin and his team replaced greens, fairways, bunkers, cart paths and the irrigation system on the 18-hole championship course. They were also responsible for creating a six-hole short course, practice facility and short-game area. Tom Howard is Valdosta Country Club’s superintendent.  

“Valdosta Country Club will be one of our best transformations ever,” Bergin said. “We’ve teamed with Duininck Golf to create a golf course that fits Valdosta Country Club’s historic roots while being mechanically prepared to handle the next 30 years of play – or even more.”

Brown added: “Of course, it helped that Bill was extremely confident and comfortable working with Duininck Golf as well, given their long history of shared projects. Ultimately, we just want what is best for our members and their guests. Duininck Golf has been an excellent partner in what will be a great finished product for our members and club.”

“That’s why we’re doing this,” Valdosta Country Club President Mike Godwin said. “All of these improvements are only possible due to the dedication and investment of our members, board, and long-range planning committee.”