Origins Golf Design begins restoration at Annandale in California

Origins Golf Design has started a restoration of the golf course at Annandale Golf Club near Pasadena, California.

Originally founded in 1906 with a routing by William Watson, the club brought in Bell in the 1920s to renovate the course, including redesigning the bunkers and building the ‘canyon holes’ – fourteen, fifteen and sixteen. In the 2000s, Brian Silva oversaw a project that included rebuilding all greens, restoring bunkers in Bell’s style, regrassing fairways and installing new irrigation and drainage systems. He also converted the par-three seventeenth into a driveable par four and the short par-five sixth into a long par four.

Architect Todd Eckenrode is aiming to restore the club’s 1920s character as well as ensure the course meets the demands of modern day golf (Image: Annandale Golf Club)

Architect Todd Eckenrode is working on the project with contractor LaBar Golf Renovations and Gradoville & Hertzing Management Group, which is overseeing all aspects of project coordination and implementation.

The scope of work comprises new tees, greens, bunkers, fairways, irrigation and grass, with select turf reduction to reestablish the intent of Bell’s work. Eckenrode’s restoration aims to revive Annandale’s classic shot values, visual drama and natural flow while ensuring the course meets the expectations of today’s players, environmental and maintenance standards. One way in which he plans to achieve those goals is by restoring some natural drainage swales.

“This project represents a rare and exciting opportunity to restore one of William P. Bell’s most beautiful designs,” said Eckenrode. “Annandale’s history, setting, and membership make it a truly special place, and we are honoured to help bring its classic features back to life.”

The project is expected to be complete by spring 2026.