Whispering Pines reopens following extensive course construction

Whispering Pines Golf Club has reopened after an extensive new construction by Texas golf course architect Chet Williams. The course was originally designed by Williams in 1998 when he was with the Nicklaus Design Group.

“After 20 years, we felt like it was time to revamp the course, so it continues to provide the best possible experiences for both our members and for the great players who compete here,” said Corby Robertson Jr., founder of Whispering Pines Golf Course and The Spirit Golf Association. “We’ve remained close with Chet through the years and have worked with him on various projects. This is his baby, so we felt comfortable with him leading this project and, as always, his work has exceeded our expectations.”
 
Under Williams’ guidance, the course was entirely re-grassed with Zeon Zoysia in the fairways and rough and TifEagle Bermuda on the greens. All greens were completely rebuilt, including several that were totally redesigned, and all tee boxes were leveled with several new tees added. The course’s bunkers were also rebuilt with some eliminated and others added.

“It’s always a challenge to take what many consider a masterpiece and make changes,” Williams said. “However, course design has changed over the past 20 years and Corby and I had been making a list of changes we’ve wanted to make for quite some time. I’m pleased with the result and know that golfers will find Whispering Pines even better than ever.

“While the new bunkers and tees are nice improvements, I believe the grass will be the most noticeable change for members and others who have played here. The old 419 Bermuda was simply worn out and it showed. Now, from tee through the green, it’s just beautiful.”

The property that encompasses Whispering Pines Golf Club was purchased by local philanthropists Barbara and Corby Robertson Jr. in 1970. Their vision for the property broadened when they decided to add a world-class golf course in 1998. Williams was hired to design the “best course” in Texas. Whispering Pines opened 20 months later in March 2000.

The construction was strategically planned to begin during the course’s end of season closure in December 2019, to be completed during the break and to reopen to members in the fall of 2020.

“We’ve always taken great pride in our excellent course conditions,” Robertson said. “The construction was a response to upholding that standard of excellence. Chet and the team reimagined the course and added some fine-tuning and we’re very pleased to share the new Whispering Pines Golf Club”

Construction highlights include:

• All greens were totally rebuilt with minor design adjustments

• All tees were re-leveled and some additional tees were added
• An extensive amount of new drainage was added to help the course play firmer and will allow players to get back onto the course quicker after rain
• A new irrigation system was installed
• All bunkers were rebuilt including new drainage, liners, and sand
• Continuous cart paths were added throughout the course
• The course was entirely re-grassed