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

Whispering Pines reopens following Chet Williams renovation
Richard Humphreys
/ Categories: News

Whispering Pines reopens following Chet Williams renovation

Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas, has reopened for play following a renovation by golf course architect Chet Williams.

Every green has been rebuilt, with several also redesigned. Bunkers have been rebuilt, with some eliminated and others added. Tee boxes have been levelled and several new tees added.

Williams originally designed the course as part of the Nicklaus Design team in 1998 for founder Corby Robertson Jr. “It’s always a challenge to take what many consider a masterpiece and make changes,” said Williams. “However, course design has changed over the past 20 years and Corby and I had been making a list of changes we’ve wanted to make for quite some time. I’m pleased with the result and know that golfers will find Whispering Pines even better than ever.”

“While the new bunkers and tees are nice improvements, I believe the grass will be the most noticeable change for members and others who have played here,” said Williams. “The old 419 bermuda was simply worn out and it showed. Now, from tee through the green, it’s just beautiful.”

Fairways and rough have been regrassed with Zeon Zoysia and greens with TifEagle bermuda.

Construction began in December 2019 and was completed in the course’s off season.

“After 20 years, we felt like it was time to revamp the course, so it continues to provide the best possible experiences for both our members and for the great players who compete here,” said Robertson Jr. “We’ve remained close with Chet through the years and have worked with him on various projects. This is his baby, so we felt comfortable with him leading this project and, as always, his work has exceeded our expectations.

“We’ve always taken great pride in our excellent course conditions. The construction was a response to upholding that standard of excellence. Chet and the team reimagined the course and added some fine-tuning and we’re very pleased to share the new Whispering Pines Golf Club.”

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