Firestone Country Club, renowned as one of North America’s most historic venues for championship golf, is embarking on a project to enhance its West Course and renaming the layout the Fazio Course.
Spearheaded by Fazio Golf Design, the project will include the removal of 18 bunkers and renovating the remaining 51. Several bunkers will be reshaped, and the Better Billy Bunker system will be employed in all for optimal drainage and reduction of washouts during inclement weather.
Highlights of the Better Billy Bunker Method include: removal of the existing sand and liners in each bunker to subgrade; installation of a two-inch gravel layer placed over the subgrade; spraying the layer with a polymer to bind the gravel together; and creation of an extremely durable liner that swiftly drains and minimizes washouts during heavy rains.
Once treated, the bunkers will be filled Best Signature 720, a beautiful white sand used on the most exclusive clubs in the U.S. The angular sand adheres to steep bunker faces and promotes more favorable lies in the hazards.
The bunker enhancement project started earlier this month, and completion is slated for spring 2021.
The West Course will also be renamed the Fazio Course in honor of famed architect Tom Fazio, who redesigned the layout in 2001. A links-style design that boasts striking views of the club and surrounding landscape, the Fazio Course is built around the perimeter of Firestone’s famed South Course and is the home of the Ohio Senior Open.
“The bunker renovation is a major investment back into the Fazio Course and emphasizes our initiative to maintain our world-class golf courses and facilities,” says Jay Walkinshaw, general manager. “This project will greatly enhance the golf experience at Firestone, both aesthetically and from a playability standpoint.”
Since the 1950s, the club and its famed South Course has annually hosted the biggest names in professional golf. In addition to being site of three PGA Championships, Firestone was the long-time venue for the PGA TOUR’s World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and its predecessor, the World Series of Golf. It currently hosts the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship on the Champions Tour.
Earlier this year, Firestone announced an exclusive opportunity for non-members to reserve a limited number of stay-and-play packages during the golf season and experience its celebrated on- and off-course offerings. The Autumn Ace Package starts at $295 per person and includes an overnight stay in a villa or clubroom, and unlimited play on South, North or West Course. A cart and forecaddie are mandatory, and service charges and taxes are included in the package price. Reservations are required and based on availability, and other restrictions may apply. More information on the package can be found here.
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