17 Sanford Ferris returns Willie Park Jr bunkers to CC New Bedford Sanford Ferris Golf Design has led a golf course restoration at the Country Club of New Bedford in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. “The course had not been updated in many years,” said architect David Ferris. “Greens had shrunk and did not drain well, bunkers lacked drainage and shape, some fairways did not drain properly. It was time to restore the 1923 Willie Park Jr course and integrate modern features.” Following visits to several Willie Park courses and studying historic aerials, Sanford Ferris developed a masterplan that was then approved by the club in February 2025. Contractor NMP Golf Construction completed work in an eight-week timeframe, which included XGD drainage on all greens and installing a HDPE twowire irrigation system and central control computer from Toro for areas around greens, bunkers and tees. NMP’s senior manager Darryl Bartlett, a member at the club, oversaw work and ensured the project remained on time despite delays caused by the weather. “We brought back many of the original Willie Park bunkers and relocated bunkers to modern standards,” said John Sanford. “Many bunkers were hidden so leading edges were lowered, and sand was flashed to improve visibility and aesthetics. We installed Better Billy Bunker liners with recessed drain lines for optimal drainage and longevity. All bunkers were finished with links-grade performance sand for consistent playability. “Two fairway bunkers were added to the fifth hole to enhance the dogleg and improve the tee shot strategy.” The project also included green expansions back to their original size and shape, with a blend of native poa and bentgrass sod used to match existing playing surfaces. “Some contours were softened for modern green speeds,” said Ferris. Other work includes the complete reconstruction of the drainage system and feature contouring on the fourteenth hole for improved playability; installing two-inch slit drains on all approaches to enhance surface performance; select tree clearing to improve airflow and sunlight penetration; and the restoration of the short-game area’s chipping and putting greens. TEE BOX Photo: Sanford Ferris Golf Design
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