SPOTTED: Firestone CC Unveils Bunker Enhancement Project to the West Course

With the offseason quickly approaching, many golfers are starting to gear up for “simulator season”. But what about the golf courses?

Firestone Country Club (Akron, OH) isn’t looking to sit on the couch and watch the Masters while waiting for the 2021 golf season. Instead, the regular stop on the PGA Tour is looking to renovate its West Course, a links-style design that boasts striking views of the club and surrounding landscape that is located around the perimeter of Firestone’s famed South Course and is the home of the Ohio Senior Open.

The renovation will primarily focus around two changes: a bunker enhancement project and renaming the West Course to the Fazio Course, in honor of famed architect Tom Fazio, who redesigned the layout in 2001.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by FirestoneCC (@firestonecountryclub) on Oct 16, 2020 at 2:00pm PDT

To explain, the highlight of the Better Billy Bunker Method include removing the existing sand and liners in each bunker to subgrade, installing a two-inch gravel layer placed over the subgrade, spraying the layer with a polymer to bind the gravel together and creating an extremely durable liner that swiftly drains and minimizes washouts during heavy rains.

Once treated, the bunkers will be filled with 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. In other words, no more complaining about the quality of the bunkers on Fazio Course.

Fortunately, Firestone has already started the bunker enhancement project and expects that it will be completed spring 2021.

“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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by FirestoneCC (@firestonecountryclub) on Sep 19, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

Since the 1950s, the club and its famed South Course has annually hosted the biggest names in professional golf. In addition to being the 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.

But perhaps most noteworthy is that 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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A post shared by FirestoneCC (@firestonecountryclub) on Sep 15, 2020 at 12:03pm PDT

Firestone is conveniently located only 45 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and less than 15 from Akron-Canton Airport. It is also within easy driving distance of other major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Nearby off-course attractions include the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland (R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen).

Cover Image via Instagram