TEE BOX 13 addition was also meant to return to more of a Dye design and links feel.” Liddy said: “The changes were extensive and directed by two primary goals. 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 [such as Phil Mickelson, Xander Schauffele and Annika Sörenstam] – as well as older members. The course needed to be challenging while still playable and enjoyable for the average member.” Clearing acres of invasive acacia shrubs opened 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. “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.” Liddy, Jones, Integrity Golf and Pinnacle Design were joined on the project team by the club’s 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 re-establishes the course’s Dye lineage while enhancing both the experience and the challenge for members,” said Liddy. Jones added: “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.” The club, home to both the men’s and women’s San Diego State University golf teams, has also completed work on a new short-game practice facility and redesigned its driving range. New bunkering on the sixth hole, the shortest par four on the course, obscures portions of the landing area Photo: Dave Evenson
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