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For anyone who hasn't driven on Kimberly Avenue for a while, it might come as quite a shock to see the current state of the Grove Park Inn golf course. Saying that it looks, well, a little less than its normal well-groomed self is quite an understatement. But there is good reason for this state of affairs; the century-old, Donald Ross-designed golf course at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa closed June 1 for a $2 million, six-month renovation. Grove Park Inn Director of Golf Dal Raiford and Golf Course Superintendent Greg Benton are overseeing the renovation, which should be completed by November 30. Raiford said of the renovation, "We are fulfilling the legacy of the Grove Park Inn's golf course to reclaim its rightful place as one of America's truly legendary Donald Ross courses." Part of the idea behind the restoration is to return the course to its original state of charm and elegance as it was designed to have in 1911.
The general contractor for the renovation is The Course Doctors, Inc., of Hendersonville, NC. Raiford said that plans are in place to offer alternate sites for golfers during the six months when The Grove Park Inn Resort golf course will be unavailable for play. Course restoration is proceeding at a good pace, and, provided Mother Nature doesn't interfere too much, the course should be back in good form by December 1.
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Classic Golf Course Design, Inc., of Greensboro, N.C., is responsible for the renovation. Company president and architect Kris Spence outlined the scope of the restoration effort: "While there will be some restoration to fairways, the green sites and bunkers will receive the most attention. When completed, the course will reflect the strengths of a Donald Ross course, including strategic placement of bunkers to challenge players of all levels, emphasis on green sites and the short game around them, and using the natural lay of the land to enhance course maintainability." 