Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, headed by Dana Fry, ASCGA and Jason Straka, ASGCA, have announced the reopening of the golf course at Columbia Country Club, Columbia, Mo.
The club reopened July 27.
“The comments by the membership and guests of the club have been incredibly complimentary,” Straka said. “If they enjoy the course now, they will fall in love with it as it matures over the next few years.”
Ten holes were rebuilt or rerouted, and the remaining eight holes and the practice facility were renovated. In addition, 2,000 feet of Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional stream were restored on two holes, adding to the environmental benefits of the renovated golf course.
A number of challenging factors required consideration as Straka drew up plans for the redesign. The course is landlocked by surrounding development roads, freeways and an abandoned Missouri Department of Transportation site. It also is bisected by a small river, which courses through a deep ravine. As the golf course originally was built in the 1920s, the property on which it is situated is quite small. Over the past few years, a resurgence in commercial development along the course’s southeastern boundary began. Municipal decisions, such as a new freeway exit, a new bridge spanning the river and a new access road, directly impacted the golf course, taking out a portion of three holes. Consequently, all of the back nine holes had to be redesigned and some holes completely relocated in order to keep the overall yardage. The rebuilt holes feature significantly-improved drainage, irrigation, turf-growing conditions, aesthetics and playability.
The new golf holes are a bit wider and more playable than the old holes, yet shots into the greens can be demanding. The course now ranges from 4,702 yards from the forward tees to 6,527 yards from the back tees. State-of-the art construction led to more disease- and drought-tolerant greens, which now drain well and can withstand the transition zone’s heat and summer stresses while still providing excellent playing conditions. Stilling pools were created throughout the streams to control sedimentation, and hundreds of native riparian plants were installed along the streams.