Redesign of Lake Toxaway Course Continues

Progress continues on the golf course redesign/renovation at Lake Toxaway Country Club in North Carolina. Architect Kris Spence is well into Phase I of the project, which will eventually become the back nine. This phase is expected to wrap up in late July. Phase II, which will create the front nine, is set to begin this fall with a completion date of July 2007.

"The weather has been a challenge thus far, however holes 13 through 16 have taken shape nicely," said Spence. "Grassing is nearly complete on the 13th and 14th holes, and the contrast between the bent and bluegrasses is dramatic and aesthetically pleasing."

The work is part of a $6.5 million revamping of the course at Lake Toxaway, a scenic mountain retreat that includes luxury homes and real estate options, vacation rentals, a 640-acre lake and marina, country club, hiking trails and waterfalls, plus the elegant Greystone Inn.

For years the golf course at Lake Toxaway Country Club existed as a recreational option for residents and guests, but its caliber never matched Lake Toxaway and its surrounding mountains.

"It's a huge step for the club," said Lou Biago, Director of Golf. "This is going to make Lake Toxaway a destination for golfers."

Spence is essentially creating a new course, and in several instances has redesigned holes or reversed their direction.

"The old golf course really didn't take advantage of the potential the land had to offer," Spence said. "The new course will utilize higher elevation changes along the property edges to expose stunning vistas of the course and surrounding geography, as well as create exciting playing opportunities. I think the members will be pleasantly surprised."

Spence is being assisted in the project by his lead design associate, Jim Ganley, along with Owen Schultz, the club's golf course superintendent.

"We really caught Kris at the perfect stage in his career," said Reg Heinitsh, Jr., President of Lake Toxaway Company and Lake Toxaway Country Club. "The lake, the mountains, the natural amenities has always been sensational. Now this completes the package."

For more information, visit www.laketoxaway.com or e-mail info@laketoxaway.com.