South Carolina Lowcountry club completes $5.8 million course renovation

The West Course at Belfair, a private community in Bluffton, South Carolina, recently reopened following a $5.8 million, five-month golf course renovation.

The project, which began in mid-May, included a new irrigation system, re-grassing of greens and bunker renovations, as well as other projects to improve playability and aesthetics. Fazio Design led the renovation project of the original Tom Fazio-designed West Course, which first opened for play in 1996. Leibold Irrigation executed the construction work.

Renovation work included the installation of a new pump station and a new Rain Bird irrigation system that features a mobile-first irrigation management tool allowing the golf course maintenance team led by director of agronomy Keith Einwag to run diagnostics and operate the system in real-time on any internet-connected device. In addition, 13 greens were restored to their original size and five greens were enlarged to allow for more pin placement locations. Greens were re-grassed with TifEagle Bermudagrass.

All 63 bunkers were redesigned and reshaped for playability and visual appeal. Fabric bunker liners, sand and drainage were removed and replaced with a Capillary Concrete liner system and G-Angle sand.

Tee boxes were expanded across the course and new forward “Advantage tees” were added on all 18 holes, making the course play 3,800 to 4,000 yards so that all ages and skill can enjoy the game. The project also included extensive tree trimming for improved tree and turf health as well as better sight lines.

Belfair’s West Course short game area was enhanced and expanded during the renovation, as trees were cleared and a new short game green, fairway and bunker were added.

“Tom Fazio took a beautiful canvas and created a Lowcountry masterpiece,” Belfair President Chris Cento said. “With the help of the Fazio design team and our partners at Troon the West course has been renovated, refined and is ready for the future.”