Courtesy of Chris Wilczynski (3)
Kolter Homes has unveiled the new Chris Wilczynski-designed course at Astor Creek Golf & Country Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Wilczynski, ASGCA and owner of C.W. Golf Architecture, was selected for the project in 2021, marking the fourth new golf course the Michigan-based architect has designed for a resort-style development in Florida since starting his firm in 2010.
“I’m honored that Kolter Homes entrusted me to design the golf course at their first ground-up golf community,” Wilczynski said. “Our goal was to create something unique on the Treasure Coast – a golf course that is beautiful and features fun, strategically designed risk/reward holes that blend classic and modern design elements.”
With five sets of tees and a combo scorecard that offers a total of eight teeing options, the par-72 course will give golfers the option to play from 3,653 to 6,903 yards. Many holes along the front and back nine feature Wilczynski’s creative spin on classic design templates, with greens that vary in shape, elevation and size. Holes are aptly named “Surprise Redan” (No. 2), “Astor Biarritz” (No. 3), “Astoria Punchbowl” (No. 12) and “Short Horseshoe” (No. 15).
Meandering waste bunkers on several holes are among the course’s unique design features. The waste bunkers feature various islands that are landscaped with a combination of native grasses, mature oaks, palms and pines, all planted to frame and complement the design of the golf course. “The waste areas are not only aesthetically appealing, but given their composition, you can play your shot out of them or even drive a golf cart through them,” Wilczynski said.
Kolter Homes CEO Bobby Julien recently played the course for the first time and said: “It was awesome; frankly above my expectations and totally in line with what we believe our residents will want for their golfing experience … truly an exceptional job.”
Planning and execution of the project involved an extensive team: RVI Planning & Landscape Design, golf course construction company Ryangolf, Thomas Engineering Group, landscape architect Cotleur & Hearing, clubhouse architect David Humphrey and irrigation consultant Tony Altum. Daily operations are being managed by HamptonGolf and superintendent TJ Kemp.
“It’s been an amazing experience working with this fantastic team of experts,” Wilczynski said. “All great projects eventually come to an end, but when I leave the site realizing that we just created a new utopia and experience for people to enjoy for the foreseeable future … that’s fulfilling.”
