On July 14th the golf course will undergo a transformative restoration, designed to enhance the beauty, infrastructure and playability of the course. This project will focus on reinstating the timeless strategy and artistry of Donald Ross’s bunkering design, honoring classic golf architecture while accommodating the modern game.
To bring Tyler’s vision to life, we have partnered with McDonald & Sons, one of the premier golf course construction contractors in the industry. Their reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail ensures that every aspect of this restoration will meet the highest standards.
What to Expect:
Our restoration will carefully integrate Ross's distinctive bunkering style, known for its strategic placement, natural appearance, and subtle challenge.
Strategic Positioning
Bunkers will be thoughtfully placed to challenge players of all skill levels, encouraging strategic shot-making and rewarding precision. As Donald Ross famously said, “There is no such thing as a misplaced bunker. Regardless of where the bunker may be, it is the business of the player to avoid it.”
Natural Aesthetics
The bunkers will blend seamlessly with the course’s natural landscape, creating a visually stunning environment that reflects Ross’s minimalist yet effective design philosophy.
Enhanced Playability
While staying true to Ross’s vision, modern adjustments will ensure that the course remains enjoyable and fair, accommodating today’s equipment and playing styles.
Bunker Shape, Size & Grass Details:
Tyler Rae and his associate Jim Ryan Jr. will restore the bunkers to reflect Ross’s signature style, characterized by:
Irregular, Free-Form Shapes: Natural edges with irregular shapes that seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape.
Varied Sizes: A mix of large, sprawling bunkers and smaller precision-demanding bunkers. Average size: 1,200 sq ft, with some stretching 15-20 yards along fairways and greenside bunkers varying from 5 to 15 yards in diameter.
Flat Bottoms with Steep Faces: Flat, playable bottoms with steep, grass-faced edges.
Concave Bunker Floors: Gentle inward slopes ensuring balls roll away from edges, offering fairer lies.
Zoysia Grass Faces: Dense, durable texture with a clean appearance, providing resilience and highlighting the edges.
Strategic Depth Variation: Depths will range from 2 to 5 feet, varying based on location and strategic purpose.
Concave Bunker Floor
Infrastructure Improvements:
Significant infrastructure improvements will ensure long-term durability and functionality:
17,000 Lineal Feet of Drainage: A comprehensive system to maintain optimal playability and prevent water accumulation, keeping bunkers dry even after heavy rainfall.
New Sand: Each bunker will be filled with 5-6 inches of compacted, high-quality sand to enhance playability, consistency, and drainage.
General Observations & Characteristics:
Ross’s bunkering philosophy was as much about visual drama as strategic challenge. This restoration will bring several of his signature characteristics to life:
Visible Sand: Bunkers will serve as visual focal points, increasing both aesthetic appeal and psychological pressure.
Terrain-Dependent Shapes: Guided by natural terrain, many bunkers will be cut into existing slopes, seamlessly integrating into the landscape.
Unique Mounding Features: Some bunkers will feature mounds in the middle, flanked by sand on both sides, adding unique strategic challenges.
Barton Hills CC Ann Arbor, MI (Photo-Tyer Rae)
We Want to Hear from You!
Thank you for your feedback and questions. Please feel free to email me at grounds@hydeparkcc.com.
Best regards,
Pat O'Brien
Grounds Superintendent
Hyde Park Golf and Country Club
