A major course renovation is underway at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club near Maricopa, Arizona.

The course’s original architects Schmidt-Curley Design and Fred Couples have returned to lead the project.

Work will include a complete bunker renovation, the addition of several tee boxes, expanded landing areas, and general design improvements to several holes.

A new back tee will be added on the course’s first hole, while new forward tees will be added to the fifth, eighth, twelfth, fifteenth and seventeenth holes respectively.

Native grasses and transition areas between bunker edges and native desert will be re-vegetated, and 83,000 sq ft of bunkering will be removed from the course’s current total of 480,000 sq ft.

Ak-Chin’s seventeenth hole will be completely redesigned, with the reshaping of a large dune to open sight lines, expansion of the green, and changes to the bunker complex all taking place.

The club’s practice facility is also set to undergo a hybrid conversion to serve as a six-hole short course in the afternoon and a traditional driving range during peak times.

“This facility enhancement project is a game-changer for Ak-Chin Southern Dunes on a local, regional and national level,” said Brady Wilson, general manager. “The project addresses every spoke of the wheel with regards to improved playing conditions, better playability for core golfers, more challenge for accomplished players and growth of the game options.”

The project is scheduled to be completed by September 2014.