After five years of planning and seven months of construction, Golf Course Architect Lester George’s complete overhaul of Vestavia Country Club is starting to take shape. The golf course at Vestavia, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Birmingham, Alabama, was originally designed by George Cobb in 1951.
Landscapes Unlimited construction crews have been hard at work since January renovating greens, fairways, mowing patterns, irrigation system, cart paths, and bunkers on all 18 holes. Holes 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 18 are being completely rebuilt into new holes. To date, 10 holes have been completely rebuilt and grassed, and the other holes are in various stages of construction.
“There were a number of factors that dictated creating new holes,” said George. “Enhanced playability, strategy, safety, and facility changes were the main reasons, but this renovation offered an opportunity to create something new and unique to the area. I wanted to build something very special for these members.” Construction will continue until October, when the grass will begin its grow-in period, lasting until Spring of 2018.
“After studying the plans for six years, I can actually see the end product now,” said General Manager Robert Carr. “Early in the process, Lester said on a tour of the course that he wanted to open up the fairway on the right side of the third hole. I thought it was a good idea, but I had no idea just how great the idea was until I saw the trees gone and the way the hole changed. It’s incredible!”
The club has sold 40 new memberships since it was shut down for construction seven months ago. “Membership sales are 200% above what we had projected, and the trend is continuing,” said club President Greg Morrison. “Members are clearly getting excited now that they can start to see what the finished product will be.”
“The membership is agog,” said Carr. “I did three membership tours Wednesday afternoon, and even the members who originally didn’t think we needed to renovate have said, ‘Oh, my gosh! This is extraordinary!'” There is an unofficial website documenting the project. While it isn’t run by the club, members are eagerly following the site to see the progress as it happens.
“The goal of our project was to create the best product that suited the needs of our members,” said Long-Range Planning Chairman Alan Coshatt. “Lester saw more potential in our course than probably anyone at our club, and now that grass is hitting the ground his vision is becoming very evident. It’s wide, fun, fair, and still a challenge for all levels of play. And the best part is it’s sitting on one of the most beautiful pieces of property in our region! We have created something truly spectacular.”
“It is gratifying to be so supported by the club,” said George. “I do a lot of renovations, and I love them all, but there is something extra special about Vestavia. I think it’s a combination of the golf course and the people. It’s just a wonderful place!”
About Lester George: A Board member of the esteemed American Society of Golf Course Architects, internationally renowned golf course architect, Lester George, has quite a versatile resume. In addition to his award-winning new course designs, has developed a niche in renovating and restoring classic golf courses designed by some of the most revered golden age architects. He has worked on everything from plains to steep, rocky terrain to brownfield and environmentally challenging sites, including a course under which thousands of unexploded bombs were discovered once excavation began – and he has become somewhat of a master at designing practice facilities that offer a realistic experience for golfers. George’s Kinloch Golf Club is the highest ranked golf course in the history of Virginia, having won countless awards. Ballyhack Golf Club is rated # 7 in the state by Golf Digest and was on several top ten Best New Course lists. The Old White Course at The Greenbrier was honored as Golf Digest’s Best New Remodel and now hosts a PGA Tour event; the James River Course at The Country Club of Virginia was the #5 Best New Remodel; and Willow Oaks Country Club was one of Golf Digests’ Best New Remodels of 2009. Most recently, Lester’s renovation of Independence Golf Club was listed as one of Golf Digest’s Top 10 Best Remodels of 2015.
For more information, contact: Shannon Fisher, Vice President of Communications, George Golf Design, 804-314-3268
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