Sep 8 2014
The Oaks Club today broke ground on the renovation of its Heron Course, a year-long project with that will create a memorable new golfing experience for members and guests. "This environmentally friendly renovation project is another step forward for our award-winning private club as we celebrate our Pearl anniversary in 2014," said General Manager Jeff Hartigan.
"Our golf amenities and social activities have helped make The Oaks Club one of the Gulf Coast's leading private residential communities for the past 30 years."
Tim Beckwith, Director of Golf; John Bogatay, Board President; Jeff Hartigan, General Manager and COO; Jason Straka Principal Architect; Nick Kearns, Director of Green and Grounds (PRNewsFoto/The Oaks Club)
Course architect Jason Straka, of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, said the renovations are designed to enhance playability and improve irrigation and drainage of the Heron Course, designed on behalf of Hurdzan/Fry Environmental Golf Design. The new Heron Course will be 6,705 yards, slightly longer than the current 6,695 yards.
"The revitalized course will have new contours, better bunkers, interesting greens complexes and a new teeing system that will accommodate all skill levels of players," Straka said. Some interesting strategic changes include the 6th hole, which will feature a split fairway, and hole #10, which has been designed to be a "driveable" par 4. Certain unsightly views will be hidden, too. As an example, golfers will no longer be able to see into the practice range while playing the 18th hole.
Noting that the club's Eagle Course will remain open for play throughout the Heron renovation, Nick Kearns, Director of Green and Grounds, said soil and water conservation features are being incorporated into the project. "The old soil from the greens will be reused to build the new tees, and the concrete from the existing cart paths will be crushed and reused as a base for the new paths," he said. "The new greens will be constructed to meet the USGA recommended construction method for putting green construction."
The Oaks Club is a private country club community developed on more than 1,000 acres situated on the east and west sides of U.S. 41 in Osprey, Florida, just 12 miles south of downtown Sarasota. It was recently awarded the prestigious Distinguished Gold Club of the World award, a program conducted by BoardRoom magazine, one of the most respected trade publications serving private clubs. Club amenities include the Heron and Eagle championship golf courses, a 40,000-square-foot Georgian-style clubhouse with three restaurants, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, pool complex, croquet, guest lodge and an active social calendar.