For the second time, Tim Liddy, ASGCA, and Timothy Liddy + Associates will be renovating an Ohio golf course designed by ASGCA founding member Donald Ross. The first was Hyde Park Golf and Country Club in Cincinnati. Now, Liddy has begun work on Hamilton Elks Golf Club in Hamilton, Ohio.
“There are 30 Donald Ross golf courses in Ohio at the moment, and I am excited to be getting the chance to once again work on one of his creations in the Buckeye State,” said Liddy, who has run his own golf course design firm since 1993. “I feel as if I am following in Ross’s footsteps through Ohio 90 years after he was here.”
Constructed in 1925 and owned by the Hamilton Elks Lodge #93, the Hamilton Elks Golf Club actually consists of three 9-hole courses. The Blue was laid out by ASGCA Past President and Fellow Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, and opened in 1995, while the Red and White were fashioned by Ross. And Liddy’s mandate is to restore only the Ross creations.
“Donald Ross’ work at Hamilton Elks has not been changed a lot over the years,” Liddy said. “The Red and White have small greens, narrow fairways and is laid out on gently undulating terrain. We plan to restore the fairway widths and the greens edges that have been lost and renovate the bunkers. There are also issues with trees, and a new irrigation system is needed. In addition, we have had discussions about improving the practice facility at the club and building a short game area.
“There is a much to do,” Liddy said. “But when we are done, we will have taken what is currently a really wonderful Donald Ross golf course and brought it back to its original glory.”
The members at Hamilton Elks appear to be quite excited about what Liddy can do for them. “We have been looking for some time at how we could better our golf course,” says club trustee Tom Smith. “And we are looking forward to developing a long range plan for the Red and White with Tim and then executing it.”