PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (October 1, 2017) – Bobby Weed Golf Design (www.bobbyweed.com), honored last year for its 2015 restoration of the Culver Academies Golf Course, in Culver, Ind., announces the layout’s début on the 2017 Golfweek’s Best: Campus Courses list. The classic-era course, at #2 on the list, is the only course associated with a high school as opposed to a college or university. Another distinguishing feature is that the Culver Academies Golf Course is a nine-hole tract, one of only two on the list.
“It’s great to see the restored Culver Academies Golf Course make its début as second on this year’s Golfweek’s Best: Campus Courses list,” said Bobby Weed. “This recognition is shared by everyone involved in approving, planning and executing the restoration.
“The golf course will serve the Culver Academies community well, far into the future.”
About Culver Academies Golf Course
Considered one of the finest nine-hole facilities in North America, the Culver Academies Golf Course originally was designed in the early 1920s by William Langford and his partner, Theodore Moreau, disciples of the C.B. Macdonald architectural style, with the intent of providing a first-class golf experience. During World War II, the bunkers went unattended and the greens gradually were reduced in size, due to mowing restrictions. Nonetheless, through the years many golfers played the austere-conditioned course and spread the word about its merits.
In keeping with the reputation of Culver Academies as a highly-regarded college preparatory boarding school – with top academics, competitive athletics and a strong record of student success – the school decided to restore its golf course to its former glory for use by students, parents, staff, alumni and guests. Several alumni, all avid golfers, initiated the plan to restore the 76-acre layout with the idea of honoring the original design’s spirit and key features. Bobby Weed Golf Design was asked to implement the restoration. Senior Design Associate Chris Monti oversaw the project, in which the bunkers were refurbished, the greens enlarged and the course lengthened to 3,230 yards.
Several tees were added to accommodate new golfers. In addition, a practice area was designed and built to enhance golf education. A head greenskeeper position was created so as to maintain the course to the highest standards. And a commitment was made to be good stewards of the environment, with a stringent approach to water and chemical use on the facility. A clubhouse, dubbed the Golf House, was remodeled and enlarged to enhance golfers’ education and experience. Above all, the restoration reflects the school’s pride and respect for both the past and the future of this fine institution and golf course.
About Bobby Weed Golf Design
Acclaimed golf course designer Bobby Weed specializes in design, renovation and repurposing. His work features a balance of visual appeal, sustainability and playability, all informed by an environmentally-sensitive aesthetic and an exceptional hands-on, holistic approach.
Weed began his professional career with an extended apprenticeship with Pete Dye, launching a collaboration of over 35 years’ duration and a lifelong friendship. Hired in 1983 by the PGA Tour as the Golf Course Superintendent at TPC Sawgrass, Weed went on to become the Tour’s in-house designer from 1987-1996. He was responsible for the design of many of today’s best-known TPC venues, which continue as host sites for prominent Tour events.
Weed also was able to collaborate with many of golf’s most familiar names, including Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd, Jerry Pate and Chi Chi Rodriguez – a rare cross section of experience.
In 1994, Weed’s career reached an apex with the formation of his own design firm, where he continues to “handcraft” golf courses. Today, Bobby Weed Golf Design has amassed an impressive list of new and renovated courses that consistently are ranked at the top of their respective categories, including The Olde Farm Golf Club, Spanish Oaks Golf Club, The Golf Course at Glen Mills, Medalist Golf Club and Timuquana Country Club.
Bobby Weed Golf Design also is a leader in golf course repurposing – a means to update layouts through redesign and reallocation of partial acreage for higher value land uses. Repurposing helps clubs and communities preserve golf while surmounting economic and other challenges. Weed’s skill, vision and business acumen coalesce to result in successful, refined and durable golf course design.
Bobby Weed is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. He also is a 39-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, was a former Certified Golf Course Superintendent and is a member of the Florida Turfgrass Association.
For more information on Bobby Weed Golf Design, see www.bobbyweed.com.
Contact:
Sally J. Sportsman
407-248-1144
sjsport@earthlink.net
