Course of the Week: Bobby Weed completes 3-year project at Grandfather G&CC

By |  January 26, 2023 0 Comments

Bobby Weed Golf Design recently completed construction on the Championship Course at Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Linville, N.C. The course, designed in 1968 by Ellis Maples, was one of America’s first mountain courses.

Maples later designed a second course on-site named Mountain Springs in 1977 to monetize the remaining real estate development inside the gates of Grandfather.

Hole 13, a 422-yard par 4 on the Championship Course at Grandfather G&CC. (Photo: Bobby Weed Golf Design)

Hole 13, a 422-yard par 4 on the Championship Course at Grandfather G&CC. (Photo: Bobby Weed Golf Design)

“My past conversations with golf course architect, Ed Seay — who mentored under Ellis Maples and served as the on-site project manager — assisted our firm in understanding Mr. Maples’ true design objectives,” said golf course architect, Bobby Weed. “Mr. Seay also revealed how challenging the golf course construction was in difficult mountain conditions. From those discussions, we have upheld their design philosophies, while improving upon the golf course’s infrastructure, maintenance and aesthetics.”

Photo:Hole 9, a 208-yard par 3 on the Championship Course at Grandfather G&CC. (Photo: Bobby Weed Golf Design)

Hole 9, a 208-yard par 3 on the Championship Course at Grandfather G&CC. (Photo: Bobby Weed Golf Design)

The project, which took place from 2019-22, included:

  • A tee shift on hole 11 to the left to expand the playing angle and sight line for drives.
  • A new tee complex on hole 16 to add length.
  • Rebuilt fairway bunkers on holes eight, 10, 11 and 18 for improved maintainability and visual contrast.
  • Reinstallation of diversion swales on the high sides of many holes to better contain surface runoff from encroaching onto golf holes.
  • A herringbone drainage system in every fairway to enhance surface and subsurface drainage, as well as retain firm playing conditions.
  • Replacement of the primary storm drain that conveys water down the mountain and across the golf course. The culvert drains were replaced with High-Density Polyethylene pipe.

“Ongoing golf course infrastructure improvements are imperative to maintaining our high standards,” said John Cunningham, general manager of Grandfather G&CC. “We are appreciative of Bobby Weed Golf Design for their long-term relationship and commitment to our club.”

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