Golf course architecture firm Tripp Davis and Associates (TDA) is celebrating the completed course renovation at the Northwood Club in Dallas, Texas. One of the area’s revered private golf clubs, The Northwood Club embarked on an 18-month major renovation of its historic 1946 course originally designed by Bill Diddel and unveiled a refreshing new look to its membership on April 13, 2018.
“Tripp and his team have contributed to bringing Northwood Club’s history of U.S. Open golf back to life, blending our rich history with modern concepts for tomorrow,” said Kevin Carpenter, Northwood Club Golf Course Superintendent. “Tripp’s understanding of the game as a player is apparent in his design detail, yet he’s considerate to the maintenance needs of the final product. It’s been an honor to work with Tripp and his skillful team as they rise to the top of today’s best course designers and restoration specialists.”
TDA started construction with a master plan renovation of the 18-hole layout in 2016 and completed the restoration of the 175-acre property, including creating a short course in Fall 2017. TDA and builder Landscapes Unlimited restored all tees, greens, and bunkers and reshaped most fairways, along with providing new cart paths, drainage, and a new irrigation system. TDA introduced NorthBridge, a new Bermudagrass, which is used over the entire course with the exception of the Bentgrass greens. In addition, creeks on the property were restored and a new irrigation lake was built to help the club recapture more water. Trees that were hiding the quality of the land were removed.
“To take a classic golf course such as this, and to keep this course in its original mindset while tinkering with it to make it a little more modern, takes a special person and Tripp is certainly one who’s known for being able to do that and being very successful at it,” said Jon Davis, general manager of the Northwood Club.
TDA, like Diddel, understood how wind impacts play at the Northwood Club. Tees were designed for multiple course set-ups based on the changing wind direction. The restoration features firmer and faster greens. The style adheres to the quality of the original routing. Wide fairways are now firmer and strategically challenge top golfers based on pin locations. Average golfers have fairway angles to attack the middle of the green.
“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.”
Davis and his crew also rebuilt the practice facilities, including the driving range 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.
Originally designed by William Diddel in 1946, Northwood was the site of 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.
Photo Credit Kevin Carpenter
