The newly unveiled golf course renovation at Boca Lago Country Club has won national honors in the 2018 American Society of Golf Course Architects Design Excellence Recognition Program.
Part of a comprehensive transformation of member amenities at Boca Lago, the $9 million golf course project positions the private club among the most desirable in Boca Raton.
Under the direction of Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA, Boca Lago’s modernization of the original 1975 design includes a routing reconfiguration that reduced the number of holes from 36 to 27. Bel Jan also designed a new practice complex featuring two short-game areas (each with its own practice putting green), two putting greens, two practice holes and expansion of the full swing space.
With on-site assistance from Boca Lago golf course superintendent George Redshaw, GCSAA, the redevelopment of the South, East, and West nines includes redesigned greens, repositioned bunkering in the fairways and around the greens, as well as reshaped and rearranged teeing grounds.
“We have touched nearly every inch of the playable areas of the golf course, updating the technology and playability,” said Bel Jan, who is the incoming president of the ASGCA. “Although the holes will be familiar, golfers will find them more fun, with different strategic challenges. It is remarkable how much the courses have changed just by updating them.”
Originally designed by golf architects Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge, the course also underwent infrastructure modernization: installation of a new irrigation and pump system; improved fairway drainage; and repair/removal of cart paths.
In addition, the clubhouse is being revitalized with upgraded and enlarged dining areas indoors and out, new gathering spaces and a new pool complex. At the tennis club, which features 20 courts(16 Har-Tru, 4 Hard), the clubhouse, pro shop and locker rooms have been fully refurbished and is home to the Rick Macci Tennis Academy.
For membership and additional information, visit BocaLago.com.
Now in its seventh year, the ASGCA annual awards program highlights the problem-solving skills required of today’s golf course designs, from new 18-hole layouts to renovations to new and updated practice facilities. Projects from 11 courses throughout the United States were cited this year following a review by a panel of golf industry leaders, including representatives of the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America, and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
GRAVITY GOLF SCHOOL Chooses Boca Lago Country Club
Famed instructor David Lee chooses the revitalized private country club for his Gravity Golf schools. Gravity Golf is a one-of-a-kind instruction program that relies on the golfer’s body mass, rather than muscular strength, to create an effortless swing that produces maximum efficiency and control. Founded by David, Gravity Golf works for players of all ages and skill levels, male and female, allowing them to enjoy much longer careers than those who damage their bodies by relying on improper technique. According to Lee, “players that properly partner with gravity, like Freddie Couples, use far less effort in their golf swings, and enjoy much better ball control.”
Three-day schools will begin in December and will be open to golfers from anywhere. In addition, the club will become the home for a unique Gravity Golf program called “Tour Express,” which will prepare eight recent college graduates-all athletes but non-golfers-to be competitive in a short period of time, with the vision of becoming professional golfers. The eight who are selected will train and work out at the club alongside Gravity Golf’s other students.
Interested golfers will be able to attend daily informational sessions at the Country Club to learn more about the Gravity Golf philosophy, which focuses on all parts of the game; full swing, short game, and what causes and fixes the ‘yips’ in putting, chipping and pitching. Individualized instruction will be available for Boca Lago members.
Both the school and Tour Express students will benefit from the new practice facilities designed by architect Jan Bel Jan.
For more information go to GravityGolf.com
