73 REPORT Fairway bunkering is “somewhat scattered”, says Jones, so that players have to think their way around holes. While all of the features of the golf course have been rebuilt, the routing itself – aside from some work to reduce the severity of doglegs – has not changed. “The bones were good,” says Swanson. “The natural elevation changes create movement, so each hole has its own unique feel to it and yet they all tie together.” Jones and Swanson have designed the course to be enjoyable for players of all levels of ability. Bunkers are not overly deep, while most greens have contour that is more fun than fearsome. “Golfers will be able to play the ground game and the aerial game. Shorter hitters can have a way to get to the green and the longer hitters can have a challenge,” says Jones. There are five sets of tees, allowing the par-72 course to be played from around 5,300 to 7,250 yards. But one of the most gratifying aspects of the project for Jones is the return of Wellman as a place to bring people together. “A lot of people used to come here to play the game, but also to celebrate weddings, birthdays and other family events,” he says. “Sometimes people just come for lunch. It’s a social gathering spot, just like the public golf courses at Torrey Pines in San Diego or Bryan Park in Greensboro. I had a very emotional connection with this project – my wife grew up in a town just like Johnsonville, and the public golf course there was where everyone came together to hang out. So I know what a club like this can mean for the whole community.” The second shot to the renovated par-four twelfth at Wellman and, inset, as the design team found it in 2020. The pond has been restored while leaving space on the right to approach the green via the ground “ The natural elevation changes create movement, so each hole has its own unique feel to it and yet they all tie together” Photos: Rees Jones, Inc.
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