San Vicente Golf Resort in Ramona, California, is reopening for preview play following a renovation by Andy Staples.

The architect’s plan has been to improve the golf experience and long-term sustainability of the Ted Robinson-designed course.

“This was an incredible opportunity to work with a great owner and a very unique property,” said Staples. “Our vision from the beginning was to take this course to another level in terms of design aesthetic, playability, and of course, fun. I think San Vicente’s members and guests are going to be blown away with the improvements.”

Work has been completed on the infrastructure of greens and bunkers to increase their long-term maintenance efficiency. The greens have been seeded with Pure Distinction bentgrass and surrounds sprigged with Santa Ana bermuda. The bunkers now include Capillary Concrete bunker liners. Staples has also expanded tee complexes and overseen tree management and drainage work.

Long-standing golf course superintendent Pat Shannon assisted Staples, his last project before retirement. New superintendent Ben McBride will oversee the grow in.

“I love what Andy has done in terms of how the new green complexes blend seamlessly into their surroundings,” said McBride. “It’s very similar to courses in my native Australia where shortgrass not only plays an integral role in how the course is presented for daily play, but how important it is for the design to match the maintenance regime. I can tell you this will be a pretty unique look for this area.”

Contractor Heritage Links handled construction, while Kimley-Horn engineer Paul Klukas managed the permits required by San Diego County, and Brent Harvey was responsible for irrigation design.

“I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish here,” said Staples. “These improvements will instil more interest and drama for every level of player. I intend for San Vicente Golf Resort to be standout golf experience worthy of play again and again.”

A grand reopening of the course is expected in April.