The Farms reopens following Dye-inspired renovation by Tim Liddy

The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, has reopened its golf course following a multi-million-dollar renovation by Tim Liddy.

Opening in 1988, the course was originally designed by Pete and Perry Dye. “Our goal was to restore the golf course to its original Dye heritage which had been altered by several previous remodels,” said Liddy. “Because of construction timing and the value of the poa annua greens in this climate, all greens were preserved. All other features – tees, fairways and bunkers – were rebuilt within the existing corridors while developing new strategies and re-establishing the visual character of the original Dye design.”

Andy Jones, president of The Farms, said: “Initially, restoring the Dye aesthetic, including the signature railroad-tie lake walls, was important to our membership. As project planning progressed, and through membership feedback, it became clear that reaffirming the club’s identity as a course originally designed by Dye & Associates was paramount to preserving its character and legacy.”

The course was closed in March 2025 following two years of planning and reopens seven months later for play. The golf course construction phase, including new irrigation, was completed in five months, allowing two additional months for the grow-in of the new Coachella bermuda sod. The remodel, completed in partnership with Integrity Golf, was delivered on schedule and on budget.

For his renovation of The Farms, Liddy was instructed to ensure the course remains a challenge while at the same time playable and enjoyable for the average member. Pictured, the eighteenth (Photo: Dave Evenson)

“The changes were extensive and directed by two primary goals of The Farms,” said Liddy. “First, The Farms is a pure golf club. It has that special sense of place and membership that only true golf-only clubs possess. Second, the membership includes many highly skilled players – including tour professionals – as well as older members. The course needed to be challenging while at the same time still playable and enjoyable for the average member.”

Clearing acres of invasive acacia shrubs opened up sweeping vistas across the property and allowed Liddy to introduce new layers of strategy and drama to individual golf holes. Native grasses were incorporated throughout many of the out-of-play areas, adding texture and framing as well as a more natural aesthetic.

Liddy says the sixth is a good example of renovation work (Photo: Dave Evenson)

“The sixth hole is a good example of the remodel,” Liddy explained. “Significant work was done to enhance playability, strategy and aesthetics. The removal of the acacia shrubs opened new long views across the golf course, the existing cart path was repositioned out of sight, and new bunkering now obscures portions of the landing area – creating a more strategic and visually engaging tee shot.”

The project was led by Andy Jones, president of The Farms, who worked closely with the membership, as well as general manager Scott Heyn and director of golf course maintenance Troy Mullane.

“Everyone involved in this project played integral roles in delivering a remodel that reestablishes the course’s Dye lineage while enhancing both the experience and the challenge for members,” said Liddy.

Jones added: “We completed the project in less than six months and were closed a total of seven months. The project was completed on time and on budget, which is rare in golf construction and we’re very proud of that. The open views, turf quality, new bunkers, etc, are all fantastic and the final product turned out better than we had ever expected. Membership feedback has been fantastic and we’re very pleased with the result.”

See more of Dave Evenson’s photography of the renovate course.

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