COLUMBUS, Georgia – The Country Club of Columbus is steeped in history. From Bobby Jones and Fred Haskins, through to the membership of today, fiercely proud of their legacy and of the Donald Ross original. Ross significantly improved the original 1909 13-hole course nearly 100 years ago, converting it into the remarkable 18 it is now.
Duininck is a golf construction company widely respected for their ability to retain characteristics and components of the original architecture in their restorations and improvements. “We take a great deal of pride in our classic restorations,” CEO Judd Duininck says, noting it’s always a humbling honor to be asked to take on such distinguished assignments. Duininck Project Manager, Chris Kleinsmith feels the same. “I’ve been most fortunate in my career to both renovate and visit Donald Ross courses with various architects. Understanding what Mr. Ross was trying to achieve helps greatly in our efforts to bring that back.”
Duininck’s work focused on fairway and greenside bunkers with careful attention to retaining the architectural character. Duininck restored nearly 9,000 square feet on top of the existing 50,000 square feet. Capillary Bunker Liner, and new sand was installed, something Kleinsmith compares more to installing cart paths than bunkers liners. “An experienced and well-trained crew can make it look easy, but also of work goes into each and every bunker to perfect them.”
The Club’s superintendent August Rocco explains though he had not worked with Duininck Golf in the past “they came very highly recommended from other superintendents within the region and industry” and is excited about what these bunker upgrades mean for his team and membership. “This will be a game-changer for our maintenance staff. We spend between 5-8% of our annual labor budget repairing washed-out bunkers after storms, and the installation of Capillary Bunker Liner, along with new sand will allow us to achieve more consistent playability and shift the constant cost and time to more productive needs.” “Duininck as an organization is extremely organized with an attention to detail and workmanship that is second to none.” Says Cory Blair.
Capillary Bunker is an engineered polymer that moves water both up and down the bunkers to regulate moisture content in the sand. The director of business development for Capillary Bunkers, Cory Blair, lists the greatest benefits as, “guaranteed longevity, a full ROI in only 2.5 years, and a wash box feature that allows for the ease of eliminating contaminants and simplifying maintenance.” “With the long list of benefits, it would have been hard to go with any other product than Capillary. I am very excited to have gone this route and I know our club and membership will be thrilled with the final product” says August Rocco.
About Duininck Golf
Duininck Golf is part of the Duininck Companies established in 1926 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.
Media Contact:
Sam Duininck
Sam.duininck@duininck.com
404-895-6716
