Originally co-designed award-winning Minnesota course with Tom Lehman
INDEPENDENCE, Minn. (Aug. 19, 2015) – Award-winning golf course architect John Fought has been selected to renovateWindsong Farm Golf Club, a par-71 layout west of Minneapolis that was named one of the “Best New Private” courses shortly after it opened in 2003.
Located on a 248-acre tract on a former horse farm, Fought originally co-designed the course with Tom Lehman. Fought, with consultation from Lehman, will now be charged with renovating all the bunkers, redesigning the par-5 12th hole, and adding 14 new tee boxes as well as native grasses to help minimize irrigation. As part of the renovation, the course also will be lengthened by 200 yards to 7,550 from the back tees.
“Essentially, we’re going to finish the golf course from its original construction, and complete some of the things the original developer was unable to do,” said Scottie Hines, CGCS, golf course superintendent, Windsong Farm Golf Club. “John has always had his finger on the pulse of our course and works side-by-side with our management team. After a successful playing career, John has dedicated himself to the art of golf course design and architecture. These reasons made the decision to name him lead architect an easy choice for Windsong Farm.”
Shortly after the course opened 12 years ago, it attracted the attention of Golf Digest, which named it one of the “Best New Private” courses. The course’s defining features include large greens with delicate breaks, collection areas inspired by Donald Ross’ courses and classic square tee areas.
“I have always loved this golf course, and I’m honored the Windsong team selected me to head up the renovations,” said Fought, who enjoyed a standout career as an amateur, collegian and on the PGA Tour. “It’s an exciting time for golf in Minnesota from the work we’ll be doing here to when the Ryder Cup comes to the state next year.”
Hines said Windsong would remain open throughout the renovation, which began earlier this month and will conclude in November. Minimal work will occur in advance of Sept 12-14 Gopher Invitational, hosted by the University of Minnesota men’s golf team, followed by the Sept 18-20 Windsong Club Championships. According to Hines, “late fall will be an ideal time to complete the project, ensuring everything will be buttoned up and the course will be in great condition for the 2016 season.”
For more information on John Fought Design, visit www.johnfoughtdesign.com or call (480) 991-9858. For more information on Windsong Farm Golf Club, visit www.wsfarm.com.
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
908/963-6013
