Tuscawilla completes greens project

Winter Springs, Fla. – Tuscawilla Country Club, a private club in northeast Orlando, completed an extensive greens restoration project on the club’s 18-hole, Joe Lee-designed golf course. This two-phase greens revitalization took place over the summer months of 2004 and 2005, and is one of the major projects initiated by RDC Golf Group, Inc. since assuming ownership of the property five years ago.

Florida-based golf course designer Terry LaGree, who remodeled the short course at Black Diamond Ranch, directed the Tuscawilla course revitalization project.

Now the undulating fairways of Tuscawilla’s golf course are complemented by greens that are 40 percent larger, restoring Lee’s original design for this traditional course. The course’s signature oaks and stately pines frame putting surfaces that are covered with new Tif Dwarf grass. The club’s putting green and chipping green were also brought into the mix and were fully renovated, offering members upgraded surfaces to practice their shots.

“The golf course restoration project adds tremendous value to our golf member’s experience and is a major part of the renaissance that is taking place at Tuscawilla,” says general manager Mike Gardner. “The club’s ownership has worked very hard to enhance the club’s services and amenities to appeal to every level of golfer and every member of the family.”

In addition to the greens restoration and expansion, eight new tee boxes were built to lengthen the course from 6,647 yards to 6,850 yards.

Gardner adds, “Lengthening the course by over 200 yards brings a lot of the original fairway bunkers and natural features back into play from the tee.”

In addition to the course renovation, RDC has made significant upgrades to the facility including: refurbishing the club’s eight clay tennis courts and Junior-Olympic-sized pool; remodeling the men’s and women’s locker rooms in the club’s southern style clubhouse; renovating the club’s grill room; and opening a state-of-the-art fitness center in 2004. 

RDC also emphasized Tuscawilla’s family-friendly atmosphere by introducing an array of social activities available for all ages including: junior golf programs under the guidance of Carolyn McKenzie Andrews, named one the top 50 kids teachers in the United States; beginner – advanced tennis programs with tennis professional Glen Howe; a competitive swim team that recently claimed its eighth club championship; as well as a “Fun Fair” and annual airshow that are open to the surrounding communities.

“RDC has always seen Tuscawilla as a great property needing the commitment to its facilities, its tradition and its members and the investments we have made have been reciprocated by a loyal and enthusiastic membership,” says RDC chief executive officer Christopher Schiavone.

For more information, call 407-366-1851.