(VALDOSTA, Georgia) 25 years after the last renovation of note, the historic Valdosta Country Club is now nearing the completion of an extensive expansion and restoration project, focused on reshaping the primary field of plan and enriching the before and after golf experiences. “We are extremely excited to partner alongside VCC and Bergin design for such a historic project in South Georgia” states Sam Duininck, Director of Business Development at Duininck Golf.
Valdosta Country Club is a club that has stood the test of time quite literally, having opened in 1917, burnt down in 1958, reopened in 1959 and expanded in 1968. Two of the three golf nines were revealed in 1977, while the other was added in 1988. The club added more amenities, reworked the course through the 1990’s, and then renovated the entire Clubhouse in 2015 before celebrating its100 Year Anniversary. Valdosta Country Club never shies away from investing and reinvesting in its successes and, having become Valdosta’s social and recreational epicenter, decided it was time to go back to the golf course drawing board.
“Bill Bergin had been on our radar for a while,” VCC General Manager and Director of Golf, Cary Brown, said. “Personally, I enjoy his style of architecture and, seeing some of his other projects similar to ours, and how his bunkering and design work always seem natural and not fabricated, we were hoping he would be available and willing to work with us.
Bill Bergin and his team were brought on to design the 18-hole championship course, replacing greens, fairways, bunkers, cart paths and the irrigation system of the old course. They were also charged with creating a six-hole short course, a new practice facility and a short game area. “Valdosta Country Club will be one of our best transformations ever,” Bill Bergin stated confidently. We’ve teamed with Duininck Golf to create a golf course that fits Valdosta Country Club’s historic roots, while being mechanically prepared to handle the next 30 years of play, or even more.”
It was Duininck Golf’s professionalism and impressive resume of completed projects, many of those in the south, that attracted Cary Brown, the members, the board, and the planning committee. “Of course, it helped that Bill was extremely confident and comfortable working with Duininck Golf as well, given their long history of shared projects. Ultimately, we just want what is best for our members and their guests. Duininck Golf has been an excellent partner in what will be a great finished product for our members and club, added Cary Brown.”
“That’s why we’re doing this,” VCC Club President, Mike Godwin, adds, quick to direct credit where it is deserved. “All of these improvements are only possible due to the dedication and investment of our members, board, and long-range planning committee.” That’s a solid tribute to a club that’s been around a long, long time and plans to be around a lot longer.
About Duininck Golf
Duininck Golf is part of the Duininck Companies established in 1926 and based in Prinsburg, MN. A member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), Duininck Golf has completed new course, renovation and irrigation installation projects throughout the United States working alongside many well-known golf course architects, many who are members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). With offices in Minnesota, Texas and Georgia, Duininck Golf has the resources and regional expertise to provide uncompromised service and attention to detail to its clients.
