The Lakewood Country Club, a city landmark since 1908, is home to weddings, a restaurant and, arguably its most important feature, a golf course. The country club, the state’s second-oldest, will make changes to the course to please long-time members and attract those new to the sport or the area.
The $1.65 million renovations include changes to eight holes, adding bunkers, as well as 220 yards to the course from the back tees and bringing the water hazards into play.
“I think it will take some holes that have gotten a little weak and strengthen those holes,” said Mark Wehrle, a 38-year member, of the planned renovations.
New players, younger players, older players and high-handicappers may be attracted to a set of forward tee boxes, designed to improve accuracy and scores. The change is part of the Professional Golfers’ Association’s “Tee it Forward” campaign, aimed at creating a more enjoyable experience for all golfers.
“We are going to have a course that plays shorter, really for anybody. As people are living longer, playing golf longer, maybe it is time to step it up,” Wehrle said.
Lakewood Country Club officials have been planning changes to the course since 1994. General manager Lance Scheele said the club’s membership and financial status were key to the decision to implement the plan now.
“We’re seeing across the nation that private country clubs are doing better,” he said.
Golf course architect Gil Hanse will complete the renovations. His previous design work includes a 2016 Olympic course in Rio de Janeiro and a Trump International Golf Club course in Dubai. He is known as a “Donald Ross specialist.” Ross redesigned Lakewood Country Club’s course in 1916.
“Since Donald Ross was one of our original designers, we felt that (Hanse) would be a good fit, and we’ve proved ourselves right,” Scheele said.
Hanse planned changes to the course in 1994 and revisited those plans in anticipation of the renovation.
“(Hanse) felt that his first, initial design would fully implement today’s technology. He’s made a few tweaks here and there, but the plan has remained intact since 1994,” Scheele said.
The course was last renovated in 1961 when J. Press Maxwell redesigned seven holes, according to the club’s website.
Lakewood’s 700-odd members approved the renovation plans, 3-1, Scheele said. Construction affects nine holes, and the rest of the course will remain open during construction.
“It seemed like the right time to get it in front of the membership. The more popular comment at the end of the day was that we have one of the best golf architects in the world able to assist us,” Wehrle said.
The renovations began Aug. 15 and are scheduled for completion Nov. 1 — a construction plan described by Scheele as a “12-week sprint.” The entire course will open for play in May.
“It is one of those courses that you can play every day, and you don’t get tired of it,” Scheele said. “We’re just enhancing an already great product.”