BLUFFTON, South Carolina – 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, bunker renovations, as well as other projects to improve the award-winning course’s 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, a leader in golf course construction and renovation, executed the construction work.
Renovation work included the installation of a new pump station and a new Rain Bird irrigation system that features a state-of-the-art mobile-first irrigation management tool allowing the agronomy team to run diagnostics and operate the system in real-time from the office, on the course, or wherever the superintendent is 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 also re-grassed with hybrid ultra-dwarf TifEagle bermuda grass. All 63 bunkers on the course were redesigned and reshaped for playability and visual appeal.
Fabric bunker liners, sand, and drainage were removed and replaced with a new polymer-based Capillary Concrete liner system. This new technically advanced lining method increases the speed at which water flows through the bunker, minimizing washouts, reducing maintenance and producing superior playability. New G-Angle bunker sand is now in all bunkers.
Tee boxes were also expanded across the course and new forward “Advantage tees” were added on all 18 holes totaling (3,800-4,000 yards) so that all ages and skill can enjoy the game. The renovation 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 also 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 Low Country Masterpiece. 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,” said Chris Cento, President of Belfair.
Belfair features two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio that exemplify Lowcountry beauty. The West Course opened in 1996 with Links Magazine proclaiming it “…the finest set of golf holes in the Lowcountry, if not on the East Coast.” The par-72 West Course plays to 7,111 yards from the championship tees.
Belfair’s East Course opened in 1999 and is reminiscent of the links courses of Scotland while showcasing the area’s deep-water views, fresh water lakes and lagoons. The par-71 layout measures 6,900 yards from the championship tees. Golfweek Magazine ranks both courses among the “Best Residential Courses” in the United States in their 2022 ranking, as well as perennial recipients of Golf Digest’s “Best Courses in South Carolina list.”
Belfair is managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon. For more information on Belfair, visit www.belfair1811.com
