PORT ST. LUCIE, FL: Construction work is progressing on schedule at the new 18-hole golf course at Astor Creek Country Club, the first golf course community that Kolter Homes has developed from the ground up. Golf course architect Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, has been making weekly site visits to oversee the work with golf construction company Ryangolf, landscape designer RVI, irrigation consultant Tony Altum, and irrigation contractor Nutt Irrigation.
The new golf course, set to debut in Spring 2023, will be the centerpiece of the brand-new gated community that sits on 682 total acres and is planned for 900 new homes on the Treasure Coast. “Our goal was to create an enjoyable and playable golf course for Kolter Homes’ new lifestyle community; one that will challenge players of all ages and skill levels and keep them inspired to play more golf.” Wilczynski said.
Five sets of tees will give golfers the option to play at different yardages ranging from 3,500 to nearly 7,000 yards. The back tees will be set at harder angles to the intended line of play and will encourage the more experienced golfers to challenge the fairway bunkers and the edges of the water features throughout the course.
“We’ve incorporated a ribbon tee system which allows for a variety of tee placements and creates a seamless transition from tee to fairway. From a resource perspective, the same mower and laborer is used to manicure the tees and fairway which makes the maintenance of the tee system more efficient and sustainable, and helps save time and money,” he said.
Golfers can also expect distinct greens of various sizes, from 4,300 – 8,800 square feet and placed at different elevations – low lying, mid-elevation and perched. “We designed the greens with various sizes, shapes, and strategic orientations in mind,” said Wilczynski. “If used properly, the internal and external contours can help direct a shot toward the hole and be advantageous for the player. Most greens were designed to be concave in nature to collect or accept golf shots, while some, particularly holes #5 and #10, will be convex and repel poorly hit shots away from the putting surface,” he explained.
The classic bunker design at Astor Creek will be an eye-catching complement to the property, featuring steep grass faces, flat sand floors and graceful lines. Sizes will vary from small pots to large waste bunkers that meander through entire sections of the holes, all carved to fit harmoniously with the scale and roll of the land.
Given the nearly flat topography of the site, several large lakes were dug to generate approximately 850,000 cubic yards of soil to help create the desired aesthetic and interest throughout the course. Wilczynski continued, “We have built undulation along the perimeters of the holes to specifically showcase the landscape materials and beds. The landscape is comprised of native oaks, pines, palms, and native grasses, and looks larger and more mature at this early stage, because of their strategic placements and elevations, lending a more vertical element to the property.”
About C.W. Golf Architecture
C.W. Golf Architecture, located in Saline, Michigan, was formed in 2010 by Chris Wilczynski, an active member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. The boutique firm specializes in a wide range of services including the master planning and renovation of existing private and public golf courses and the design and development of new golf courses and practice facilities. C.W. Golf Architecture is dedicated to creating unique and sustainable design solutions that captivate golfers, enhance playability, and provide enjoyment and social benefits to communities throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.cwgolfarch.com or contact Chris Wilczynski at (734) 395-7941
About Kolter Homes
Kolter Homes brings nearly three decades of experience in homebuilding to its master-planned communities throughout Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas that serve both active adult and primary home buyers. Kolter Homes communities have earned numerous regional and national awards, and the Kolter Homes team has welcomed over 10,000 neighbors to their new homes. www.kolterhomes.com
Kolter Homes is an affiliate of The Kolter Group LLC, a diversified real estate development and investment firm that has invested in projects with expected value in-excess of $15 billion. Headquartered in Palm Beach County, The Kolter Group LLC with its affiliated entities is currently developing in over 50 locations throughout the southeastern United States. www.thekoltergroup.com
