Moon Brook selects Raymond Hearn to develop master plan
Moon Brook Country Club near Buffalo, New York, has selected Raymond Hearn to develop a master plan for the renovation of its golf course, originally designed by Willie Park Jr in 1918.
Hearn’s first tasks include conducting historical research into Moon Brook and listening to the membership’s hopes for the renovation.
“My work will involve restoring as much of Willie Park’s original design as possible that makes sense with the modern game,” said Hearn. “I will embark on specific restoration tasks such as restoring original angles of attack in the fairways, restoring original edges to greens and gaining historic pin placements along with original bunker edges that were lost over time.”
Hearn also aims to solve existing maintenance issues, as well as ensuring the course is fit for modern players of all golfing ability.
“Our ultimate goal is to have Ray create a comprehensive long-range master plan that will guide us through the next 25 years,” said Jim Cirbus, greens committee chair at Moon Brook. “A master plan that we can slowly and carefully implement over time.”
Seven of Park’s original holes and 11 of his greens remain and, according to Hearn, are a “must see” for golf enthusiasts and historians.
Hearn will work alongside course superintendent Howard Ellis and the club’s board of directors, committee members, historian and staff.
“Ray has a great eye for classical restoration and renovation detail at historic clubs,” said Ellis. “He has quite a reputation in restoring and renovating pre-1930 clubs around the country.”
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