Michael Gainey, PGA
San Vicente Golf Resort in Ramona, California, has completed a comprehensive renovation plan that upgrades the golf experience while dramatically improving the long-term sustainability of this original 1972 Ted Robinson design. Andy Staples, ASGCA, owner of the Scottsdale, Arizona based Staples Golf Design, directed the club’s plan to fully renovate all greens, bunkers and tee complexes to increase strategy, and provide a unique style and aesthetic to the San Diego golf market.
“This was an incredible opportunity to work with a great owner and a very unique property,” said Staples, the architect guiding the project. “Our vision from the beginning was to take this course to another level in terms of design aesthetic, playability and, of course, fun. I think San Vicente’s members and guests are going to be blown away with the improvements.”
The primary goals of the project were to upgrade and improve the infrastructure of greens and bunkers and increase their long-term maintenance efficiency. The new greens were built to variable depth USGA recommendations and seeded with Pure Distinction bentgrass. The turf surrounds were sprigged with Santa Ana Bermudagrass, and the bunkers utilized the Capillary Concrete bunker liner detail. Other objectives included increased diversity of tee yardages, tree management and overall drainage improvements.
Another major aspect of the project was to allow the long-standing golf course superintendent, Pat Shannon, to complete a much overdue project prior to his retirement. His replacement, Australian-born Ben McBride, has been named the new superintendent, and will be in charge of grow in and the golf course opening preparations.
“I love what Andy has done in terms of how the new green complexes blend seamlessly into their surroundings,” McBride said. “It’s very similar to courses in my native Australia where shortgrass not only plays an integral role in how the course is presented for daily play, but how important it is for the design to match the maintenance regime. I can tell you this will be a pretty unique look for this area.”
The project was supported by Kimley-Horn engineers, Paul Klukas, handled the permits required by San Diego County, and Brent Harvey, was responsible for irrigation design. Heritage Links was the general contractor for construction.
“I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish here,” Staples said. “These improvements will instill more interest and drama for every level of player. I intend for San Vicente Golf Resort to be standout golf experience worthy of play again and again.”
The course is planning pre-view rounds for its members this February, with a Grand Opening tentatively set for April.
