Ten holes were rebuilt or rerouted, and the remaining eight holes and the practice facility were renovated. In addition, 2,000 feet of Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional stream were restored on two holes, adding to the environmental benefits of the renovated golf course.
Since the course reopened, Columbia Country Club has increased its membership by nearly 10 percent. On Aug. 3 it hosted the first round of play for the inaugural Columbia Women’s City Golf Championship, where a new women’s course record of 72 was set.
“You can get a risk-reward shot or you can play it safe – nearly everyone says the redesigned course is beautiful and extremely fair,” said Brett Bieske, PGA, general manager and director of golf at Columbia Country Club. “It now has the look and feel of a Lake-of-the-Ozarks course.”
Enhanced aesthetics and playability were two central goals of the redesign project, both of which were achieved in great measure. Among the many changes were the removal of a number of trees and invasive vegetation, which previously had restricted imaginative and challenging shot making on certain holes. The resultant new vistas opened up the par-71 course in many spots to views of Hinkson Creek and several of its tributaries, creating a new element of visual beauty and aesthetic pleasure for players. In addition, some new tees were added and some tee boxes redesigned, providing greater playing enjoyment and scoring potential.
A number of challenging factors required consideration as Straka drew up plans for the redesign. The course is landlocked by surrounding development roads, freeways and an abandoned Missouri Department of Transportation site. It also is bisected by a small river, which courses through a deep ravine. As the golf course originally was built in the 1920s, the property on which it is situated is quite small. Over the past few years, a resurgence in commercial development along the course’s southeastern boundary began. Municipal decisions, such as a new freeway exit, a new bridge spanning the river and a new access road, directly impacted the golf course, taking out a portion of three holes. Consequently, all of the back nine holes had to be redesigned and some holes completely relocated in order to keep the overall yardage. The rebuilt holes feature significantly-improved drainage, irrigation, turf-growing conditions, aesthetics and playability.
The new golf holes are a bit wider and more playable than the old holes, yet shots into the greens can be demanding. The course now ranges from 4,702 yards from the forward tees to 6,527 yards from the back tees. State-of-the art construction led to more disease- and drought-tolerant greens, which now drain well and can withstand the transition zone’s heat and summer stresses while still providing excellent playing conditions. Stilling pools were created throughout the streams to control sedimentation, and hundreds of native riparian plants were installed along the streams.
The overall result of the redesign work is a spectacular renovation showcasing the environmental attributes and natural beauty of Columbia Country Club.
Media Contact: Sally J. Sportsman; 407-248-1144; sjsport@earthlink.net.
Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com
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