Renovations Underway On Blue Monster

Renovations have begun on the famed Blue Monster Golf Course at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort. A 2007 World Golf Championships venue, the layout, which is one of five championship golf courses at Doral, will be closed throughout May, June, July and August, with a scheduled re-opening on September 1, 2006 following completion of the project.

"The Blue Monster stands among the best golf courses in the world. As such, it requires constant refining to maintain playing conditions year-round, which will continually enhance the experience for amateurs, as well as the world's best players who will compete here at the 2007 World Golf Championships-CA Championship," said Darrin Helfrick, the resort’s general manager.

Highlighting the refinements being made to the Blue Monster include the re-grassing of all 18 greens, as well as the practice putting green, with TifEagle Bermuda. Additionally, all bunkers on the course will undergo a complete renovation.

Other improvements planned include a cart path replacement project. All of the paths will be replaced with new concrete to help improve overall course management. Also, special 12-foot-wide paths, with extra reinforcement, will be added to a few strategic areas of the course to help in World Golf Championships tournament set-up.

Adds Helfrick, "This renovation project is designed to refresh the golf course, while keeping the design features unchanged. This will enhance the course on many levels, while allowing us to maintain the character and competitiveness that is the signature of the Blue Monster."