Tripp Davis and Associates club restoration earns top honors

The Northwood Club was recognized as the Best Country Club in Dallas/Fort Worth. (Photo: The Northwood Club)

AvidGolfer magazine recognized The Northwood Club in Dallas as the Best Country Club in Dallas/Fort Worth and the Best Course Renovation of the year.

Tripp Davis and Associates (TDA) conducted the renovation of the course, which was originally designed by William Diddel in 1946. The course hosted the 1952 US Open, making it one of only three courses in Texas to ever have hosted that championship. The course has also hosted several regional USGA, North Texas PGA and AJGA tournaments.

The 18-month renovation began in 2016, with the new course unveiled in the spring of 2018. TDA and builder Landscapes Unlimited restored all tees, greens and bunkers and reshaped most fairways, along with improving cart paths, drainage and a new irrigation system. TDA introduced Northbridge, a new Bermudagrass, which is used over the entire course with the exception of the bentgrass greens. Additionally, creeks on the property were restored, and a new irrigation lake was built to help the club recapture more water. Trees that were hiding the quality of the land were removed.

TDA and builder Landscapes Unlimited restored all tees, greens and bunkers. (Photo: Kevin Carpenter)

Davis and his crew also rebuilt the practice facilities, including the driving range, and designed a four-hole short course to broaden the playing options, especially for junior golfers. The short course, with holes ranging from 50-120 yards, opened late November 2017.

“I am honored to have Northwood recognized by AvidGolfer magazine as the Best Elite Country Club and Best Renovation in Dallas/Fort Worth,” Davis said. “Our approach was to restore the original character found in Mr. Diddel’s greens, rebuild the bunkers to reflect Diddel’s style and reposition bunkers and tees to be more strategically relevant for today’s game. To see our work elevate the status of Northwood is very gratifying.”

Kevin Carpenter is superintendent of Northwood.