Overview
For over a decade, Bobby Weed Golf Design has provided on-going renovation and improvement guidance to Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, NC. BWGD has helped the club structure short and long-term plans to preserve and enhance this acclaimed Ellis Maples layout.
Awards
2019 Golfweek
Top 200 Residential Courses, No. 19
2017-18 Golf Digest
Best Courses in North Carolina, No. 6
2016 Golfweek
Best Modern Courses, No. 75
2014-16 Business N.C.
Top Golf Courses in N.C Mountains, No. 1
Challenge
At 5,945 feet, Grandfather Mountain is an imposing sight within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Maples strategically used the area’s natural contours to design the Championship Course, which sits at approximately 3,800 feet.
As a seasonal club subject to above average rainfall and harsh winters, timeliness and efficiency are paramount when working in the mountainous climate. Weed and his team work creatively and in incremental fashion, each autumn and early spring, so as not to disrupt play.
As part of Grandfather’s short-term and 10-year Master Plans, Weed is helping the club restore and improve upon Maples’ original intents. Removing outdated drainage, extensive tree removal, adding length and incorporating maintenance efficiencies are current priorities.
As Weed remarked, “All the angle turns and landing areas need to be addressed because when Ellis did the golf course, all of his turns were at 233 yards. People hit 5 irons that far now.”
Approach
With a short playing season, maximizing drainage and playability is of utmost importance. Extensive tree removal, installation of subsurface fairway drainage, construction of open rock-lined streams and enhancements to both the golf course and practice facilities are a few components of BWGD’s involvement over the years.
Solution
“This storied course continues to offer improved aesthetics and playability. Players can make shot decisions based on enhanced visibility on the first hole, while appreciating many of the layout’s unique features which have re-emerged during our on-going improvements.” – Bobby Weed
70% Increase in Course Bookings
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