The renovation has been called “transformative” by many and is a complete re-imagining of the entire course. The golf course fully opened in late September to overwhelming acclaim.
In 2019, the club selected Todd Eckenrode – Origins Golf Design to create a Master Plan for the golf course from which this significant renovation would emerge. Todd worked with the Club continuously throughout the planning process.
In the end, this comprehensive and bold Master Plan aimed to improve every feature of the golf course, but also to elevate the golf experience into an entirely new realm and level of play.
Elements of the transformation included renovations to all golf features, from tees to fairways, bunkers and greens and a significant tree management program, opening up sunlight and overall playing corridors.
Water-wise sustainability was a vital improvement as well, supporting the Club’s Green Initiative, with a state-of-the-art irrigation system added, new turf seeded throughout that is more drought-tolerant than prior, natural meadows and seasonal creeks established and a native California Oak and Sycamore tree reforestation.
Additionally, over 20 acres of turf was replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping, adding to the natural beauty of the course as well.
According to Eckenrode, the renovation is multi-dimensional, enhancing playability while also elevating interest in how the course plays. “It’s incredibly fun and engaging to play. The new widths allow strategic elements to be unveiled and variety in play is paramount”, says Eckenrode. “We are thrilled to have designed what is essentially a completely new golf course and experience for the members”.
General Manager Aaron Grant says, ”The new Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club golf course is truly something special and has already earned rave reviews from our membership and peaked interest from our region. The use of native spaces, seasonal creeks, multiple varieties of grass specifically chosen for our climate, and bunkering worthy of magazine covers, has created a very appealing aesthetic and massively improved playing conditions.
“These decisions also afford us the ability to dial the course up for competitive play when we have tournaments, making a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario from an operations perspective and member satisfaction. We are delighted with our new golf course and the work that Todd Eckenrode – Origins Golf Design has done for us”.