Doral's Silver Course Getting Massive Upgrade

Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami has launched a multimillion-dollar redesign of its Silver Course. The work is being overseen by noted golf instructor Jim McLean.

The project involves remodeling and reshaping all greens and holes on the course. The greens are being built to USGA specifications. Set to debut January 2009, Silver will also have widened fairways and new water features. The work will result in adding over 500 yards to the revised par-70 layout, bringing it from 6,557 yards to over 7,100 yards.

McLean has also signed a new 10-year contract with the well-known Florida resort, ensuring that the facility will continue to be the flagship location of the Jim McLean Golf School, where it has been since 1990.

"We are thrilled to continue working with Jim McLean," said Darrin Helfrick, golf general manager at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort. "As a part of the Doral family for over 18 years, Jim knows every inch of our courses and understands the needs of our guests. His redesign will provide enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels."

According to McLean, the revamped Silver Course will feature "three of the toughest starting holes in Florida." From the tips the trio of par-4s will extend 450 yards, 480 yards and 490 yards, respectively. In addition, the signature 14th hole with an island green will present a new angle of play as the tees have been moved 80 yards to the right. Adding to the drama on the back nine, the 13th will require a tee shot with a 240-yard carry over a lake.

"Once completed, the Silver Course will be a championship-ready golf course," said McLean. "Moving the course from a par 71 to a par 70 makes it more challenging from the championship and professional tees, while allowing an amateur-friendly course from closer tees. It will provide some of the most memorable holes at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, easily comparable to those on the Blue Monster Golf Course."

Similar to Doral's famed Blue Monster course, site of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship the past two years, Silver will utilize TifEagle greens, considered to be the fastest type of Bermuda grass. In addition to Silver and Blue Monster, the Miami resort contains the Great White, Red and Gold courses.

McLean is working with the landscape architecture firm, Bruce Howard & Associates and Tom Fazio II Designs, on the renovations. In order to relay his redesign vision to the course shaper, McLean built sand sculptures to demonstrate the shape of the greens.

For more information about Doral, call 800/71-DORAL or 305/591-6401, or visit Doral Resort.