Bill Bergin completes renovation at Dalton G&CC

Bill Begin has completed a renovation of the golf course at Dalton Golf & Country Club in Georgia.

The project covered tees, fairways, bunkers, greens and the irrigation system, with Bergin aiming to make the layout more enjoyable for members of all abilities.

“It had been nearly 40 years since any major improvements had been completed and the golf course was showing signs of wear,” said Judd Duininck of contractor Duininck Golf, which handled construction.

“Their greens were well beyond their expected lifetime, the irrigation system needed to be replaced, and the course suffered from poor drainage on many holes,” said Bergin. “It was time for a major renovation. In determining the scope of work, we recognised that while we were tackling these items, we could give the golf course an entirely new look and identity. Our goal was to design a ‘Golden Age’ golf course that would function well for the next 30 years or more.”

Duininck Golf started work in January 2020 and completed the $3.5 million project in eight months despite heavy rain conditions and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Duininck’s team was great to work with and although we had some setbacks because of wet weather and the pandemic, their team never compromised quality or attention to detail,” said Scott Stuart, the club’s general manager.

Bunkers were rebuilt, with 41,500 square feet of Better Billy Bunker liner and Tour Angle sand installed. Several green complexes were relocated, while others were rebuilt. Greens were sprigged with TifEagle bermuda, while fairways were re-grassed with Tiftuf bermuda. New tees were also added throughout the course.

The project also included the installation of a new 650-head Toro irrigation system, pump station, and pond intake.

“The project couldn’t have turned out better,” said Mike Whaley, the club’s golf course superintendent. “The members are thrilled with the new golf course, especially with how well it drains, the quality of the new putting greens and how fun it is to play.”

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