Restoration of Great Dunes Golf Course Revives Historical Legacy

News Summary

The Great Dunes golf course has officially reopened after a $21 million renovation, offering an 18-hole layout that harmonizes historical features with modern enhancements. The public can enjoy stunning ocean views, diverse ecosystems, and a renewed focus on sustainability. With 54 holes of golf available, Jekyll Island continues to attract golf enthusiasts eager to experience this unique landmark.

Restoration of Great Dunes Golf Course Revives Historical Legacy

Golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can rejoice! The highly anticipated reopening of the Great Dunes golf course has officially happened on November 1, marking the end of a significant renovation journey that spanned over a year. With a whopping investment of $21 million and two years of meticulous labor, this revitalized gem is back in action, drawing players eager to experience its historical roots and modern enhancements.

A Blend of Old and New

The newly restored course now boasts an enchanting 18-hole layout that harmoniously weaves together elements from its original nine holes, all designed by the renowned architect Walter Travis. Bursting with character, the course features fresh holes inspired by Travis’s iconic work, offering golfers a unique blend of nostalgia and improvement. Adding to the allure, the public green fee is set at $135, a fantastic deal when compared to many high-end private and resort courses out there.

What’s New on the Course?

Managed by the Jekyll Island Authority, the Great Dunes course stretches to an impressive 7,014 yards and is known for its stunning ocean views and diverse coastal landscape, characterized by dunes, forests, and wetlands. The restoration project is not just focused on aesthetics; it also emphasizes sustainability. A key feature includes a renewable brackish water system used for irrigation, coupled with the introduction of salt-tolerant grass, creating a sustainable environment that flourishes.

A Walk Through Diverse Ecosystems

The course’s landscape has been thoughtfully designed to offer golfers an immersive experience through various ecosystems, featuring a unique figure-eight layout with four crossings that meander through different environments. This creative approach not only showcases the island’s natural beauty but also enriches the golfing experience, ensuring every round played feels like a new adventure.

Honoring Historical Essence

Architects involved in the renovation, Brian Ross and Jeff Stein, have gone above and beyond to preserve the historical essence of the course. Their work involved analyzing archival photos and visiting other courses designed by Travis to retain those iconic features. Among these distinctive elements are centerline bunkers and sandy areas, designed to replicate the original conditions of the Great Dunes course.

Restoration of Original Features

In an effort to retain the spirit of its past, the renovation restored 19 original Travis bunkers and removed over 70 acres of turf grass to recreate more sandy landscapes. Meanwhile, the back nine of the previous Oleander course was transformed into a serene nature park, allowing the island to maintain a full complement of 54 holes of golf while preserving a space for natural exploration.

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