Interviews

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Richard Humphreys
/ Categories: News

Tripp Davis completes bunker project at Sonoma

Tripp Davis and Associates has completed a bunker project at Sonoma Golf Club in northern California.

“It is part-renovation to install a sustainable structure for the bunkers, part-restoration of the style of the original architect Sam Whiting, and part-redesign to position bunkers to fit the modern game with more strategic interest,” said Davis.

“Sam Whiting was the original golf architect of the Olympic Club in San Francisco, where he exhibited a simple but very elegant style for his bunkers. That was his style at Sonoma back in 1928 and I could not be prouder of what we have done there.”

The 16-week bunker project was completed in October and is part of a larger masterplan to improve the course and practice facilities at Sonoma, which is owned by Escalante Golf.

“Sonoma Golf Club has always been a hidden gem in the Sonoma Wine Country,” said head golf professional Tony Marshall. “Having spent a tenure of 19-plus years at Sonoma, I have witnessed how the golf course has changed. Over time, golf courses require attention to detail and some changes are needed.

“Tripp clearly wanted to create an historic look, while adapting to the modern game for all levels of golfers. His course enhancements will continue to challenge the competitive golfer through new shots and sightlines. Importantly for our members, the renovated bunkers provide easy access to walk in and out of. Members are buzzing with delight at ‘the new Sonoma’.”

Davis and his associates, Kyle Downs and Jason Gold, worked on the project with golf course builder DHR Construction. “DHR was integral to the bunker renovation going so well at Sonoma,” said Davis. “They followed Jason’s lead on the ground and were easy for us all to work with. They were as committed to doing great work as we are.”

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  • Sonoma
    Sonoma Golf Club

    Tripp Davis has completed a bunker project at Sonoma Golf Club in northern California

  • Sonoma
    Sonoma Golf Club

    The architect has aimed to give bunkers a historic look, while ensuring they are fit for modern play

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Sonoma Golf Club
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