Robert McNeil of The Northeast Golf Company has completed a four-year renovation project on the two municipal golf courses operated by the town of Dennis in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Beginning in autumn 2019, the phased programme of work on the Dennis Pines and Dennis Highlands courses addressed aging bunkers, hole strategy, tree management and playability. Speed of play, ease of maintenance and character were also considered.

McNeil worked alongside NMP Golf Construction on the project.

Four phases of work saw nine holes completed at a time, beginning with the Pines course. The final phase, on the front nine at Dennis Highlands, included 16 new bunkers, selective tree management, five new tees and cart path improvements. Work was completed in time for the 2018 season.

A new forward tee system was created at each of the courses to provide an enjoyable round for beginners and juniors. The tees have been positioned to retain the strategy of holes based on average driving distances for players within this segment. Forward tees play at just over 4,000 yards at Dennis Pines and 4,400 yards at Dennis Highlands.

“The Dennis Pines golf course has seen such a positive response to the recent renovations designed by Robert McNeil,” said Michael Cummings, director of golf at Dennis Pines and Dennis Highlands. “Already a beautiful championship golf course, Rob’s vision of making the course more player-friendly while keeping the overall appeal of still being a challenging round hit a home run.

“The number of rounds played at Dennis Pines since the renovation completion has increased and continues to garner interest from locals and visitors to Cape Cod alike. There has been a 10% increase in green fee revenue as well as a 12% increase in member round play.”