Bobby Weed Golf Design Honored at Rededication of Culver Academies Golf Course

(PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida) – Bobby Weed Golf Design (www.bobbyweed.com) was honored for its restoration of the Culver Academies Golf Course, in Culver, Ind., at the golf course rededication ceremony Oct. 1. Restoration of the highly-acclaimed nine-hole layout was completed in 2015.

"There is a growing appreciation worldwide for  high-quality nine-hole facilities," said Bobby Weed, president & CEO of Bobby Weed Golf Design. "Culver Academies is to be commended for recognizing the natural beauty of its facility, for its vision in restoring the course for enjoyment by future generations – and for setting an example that historic nine-hole golf courses are to be treasured and protected."

Considered one of the finest nine-hole facilities in North America, the Culver Academies Golf Course originally was designed in the early 1920s by William Langford and his partner, Theodore Moreau, disciples of the C.B. Macdonald architectural style, with the intent of providing a first-class golf experience. During World War II, the bunkers went unattended and the greens gradually were reduced in size, due to mowing restrictions. Nonetheless, through the years many golfers played the austere-conditioned course and spread the word about its merits.

In keeping with the reputation of Culver Academies as a highly-regarded college preparatory boarding school – with top academics, competitive athletics and a strong record of student success – the school decided to restore its golf course to its former glory for use by students, parents, staff, alumni and guests. Several alumni, all avid golfers, initiated the plan to restore the 76-acre layout with the idea of honoring the original design's spirit and key features. Bobby Weed Golf Design was asked to implement the restoration. Design associate Chris Monti oversaw the project, in which the bunkers were refurbished, the greens enlarged and the course lengthened to 3,230 yards.

Several tees were added to accommodate new golfers, In addition, a practice area was designed and built to enhance golf education. A head greenskeeper position was created so as to maintain the course to the highest standards. And a commitment was made to be good stewards of the environment, with a stringent approach to water and chemical use on the facility. A clubhouse, dubbed the Golf House, was remodeled and enlarged to enhance golfers' education and experience. Above all, the restoration reflects the school's pride and respect for both the past and the future of this fine institution and golf course.

About Bobby Weed Golf Design
Acclaimed golf course designer Bobby Weed specializes in design, renovation and repurporsing. His work features a balance of visual appeal, sustainability and playability, all informed by an environmentally-sensitive aesthetic and an exceptional hands-on, holistic approach. Bobby Weed Golf Design is a leader in golf course repurposing – a means to update layouts through redesign and reallocation of partial acreage for higher value land uses. Repurposing helps clubs and communities preserve golf while surmounting economic and other challenges. Weed's skill, vision and business acumen coalesce to result in successful, refined and durable golf course design.

Weed began his professional career with an extended apprenticeship with Pete Dye, launching a collaboration of over 35 years' duration and a lifelong friendship. Hired in 1983 by the PGA Tour, Weed was the Tour's in-house designer from 1987-1996. He was responsible for the design of many of today's best-known TPC venues,, which continue as host sites for prominent Tour events.

Weed also was able to collaborate with many of golf's most familiar names, including Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd, Jerry Pate and Chi Chi Rodriguez – a rare cross-section of experience.

In 1994, Weed's career reached an apex with the formation of his own design firm, where he continues to "handcraft" golf courses. Today, Bobby Weed Golf Design has amassed an impressive list of new and renovated courses that consistently are ranked at the top of their respective categories, including The Olde Farm Golf Club, Spanish Oaks Golf Club, The Golf Course at Glen Mills, Medalist Golf Cub and Timuquana Country Club.

Bobby Weed is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, the Historical Committee of the Donald Ross Society, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the Florida Turfgrass Association.

Weed also is the co-founder and a Board Member of HEAL! (Healing Every Autistic Life). The HEAL Foundation is a local non-profit organization, based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., serving individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Foundation serves as an outreach organization providing educational programs and camps tailored to the needs of the local Autism Community.

For more information of Bobby Weed Golf Design, see www.bobbyweed.com.