Fazio Design and Turfgrass are collaborating on a renovation of the Joe Lee-designed golf course at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park, Florida.

Tom Marzolf is leading the project for Fazio Design, and has worked with Turfgrass on a number of projects around the world, including Adare Manor, which will host the Ryder Cup in 2027.

Marzolf’s vision for Interlachen is to blend the course’s historic design with modern playability and strategy. His plan addresses the club’s ageing infrastructure with upgrades to irrigation and drainage, while also reimagining course features, including the expansion of greens to allow for more pin positions. The short-game area and practice facility will also be upgraded.

Bunkers will be repositioned to challenge the longer hitters and renovated to feature flashed sand faces. Marzolf has also planned for firm, sandcapped approaches that encourage the ground game, which will be complemented by the addition of low-mow surrounds.

Turfgrass will lead the integration of agronomic best practices into the design.

“It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with the Turfgrass team,” said Marzolf. “Their attention to detail, scientific precision and commitment to excellence make them an invaluable partner on any project. We have achieved great success together overseas, and I am thrilled to be working with them once again – this time on American soil at a truly special club like Interlachen.”

As agronomic consultant, Turfgrass is providing a comprehensive suite of services to guide the renovation from construction through to grow-in. This includes a full peer review of agronomic specifications, material evaluation and laboratory testing oversight in partnership with Kansas-based Turf & Soil Diagnostics. Materials such as greens mix, bunker sand, drainage gravel and turf selections will be assessed to ensure optimal quality, with testing protocols established to maintain consistency.

Site visits at key phases of the renovation will allow Turfgrass to work closely with the teams from Fazio Design and Interlachen, including superintendent Bryce Gibson, and contractor Total Turf Golf Services. These visits will focus on turf establishment and course preparation, irrigation strategy, nutrient programming, pest and weed control, equipment planning and maintenance budgeting.

Adam Moeller of Turfgrass said: “Interlachen is a club with a proud tradition and a clear vision for the future. Our goal is to support that vision by ensuring the agronomic foundations are world-class – so this golf course not only looks and plays beautifully, but also stands the test of time alongside the Fazio/Marzolf design.”