The historic and revered Northwood Club in Dallas is undergoing a complete course and driving range renovation. Golf course architecture firm Tripp Davis and Associates (TDA) began construction in 2016 with a master plan renovation of the 18-hole layout.
Originally designed by William Diddel in 1946, Northwood hosted the 1952 U.S. Open which was won by Julius Boros, making it one of only three courses in Texas ever to have hosted the prestigious national championship. Davis is planning on putting a marker on every tee to show where the pros hit from in the 1952 U.S. Open. Northwood also has been the host for several regional USGA, local North Texas PGA and AJGA tournaments.
“Northwood is a great club with one of the best and most historic golf courses in Texas,” said Davis. “Our approach was to restore the original character found in Mr. Diddel’s greens, rebuild the bunkers to reflect Diddel’s style, and reposition bunkers and tees to be more strategically relevant for today’s game.”
The TDA team, which includes shaper Jason Gold, design associate and construction specialist Kyle Downs, and builder Landscapes Unlimited, will restore all tees, greens and bunkers and reshape most fairways, along with providing new cart paths, drainage and a new irrigation system. The shaping and drainage are nearing completion with all plantings done. The main course will open Spring 2018.
Davis and his crew also rebuilt the practice facilities and designed a “Short Course” to broaden the playing options, especially for junior golfers. The “Short Course,” with holes ranging from 50-120 yards long, opened late November 2017. In addition, creeks on the property are being restored, and a new irrigation lake was built to help the club recapture more water.
“Restoring a U.S. Open championship course is a high profile opportunity for both our club’s members and the architect,” said Northwood Club President Jay Carvell. “We have worked with Tripp Davis for many years preparing to return the Northwood course to the classic layout that tested Julius Boros and Ben Hogan more than 60 years ago.”
About Tripp Davis and Associates
Tripp Davis and Associates (TDA) was founded in 1994 and has offices in Norman, Oklahoma, and New York City. TDA practices golf architecture with an unparalleled passion for craftsmanship of unique landscapes and strategic details. Tripp Davis, a decorated amateur golfer, was a member of the 1989 National Championship Golf Team and a NCAA All-American selection while at the University of Oklahoma. He continues to play in several prestigious amateur events each year.
Tripp’s abilities as a world-class player give him a unique insight into those subtle details in strategy that can make a golf course an interesting challenge for better players, while proving an enjoyable test for the average golfer.
His knowledge of the game has also been incorporated into the development of innovative practice facilities that give players the opportunity to practice the right shots in the right way, thus expanding their golfing abilities and their appreciation for the game.
Davis earned a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from The University of Oklahoma and is a Member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
For more information about Tripp Davis and Associates, please visit the website at www.tdagolf.net or call 405-447-5259.
