Progress updates plus the areas first short course
Named “Best Golf Course” by Visit South Walton and Destin Magazine, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is excited to announce that the best golf course in town is getting even better with its 2021 renovation underway. Two weeks into construction, the new and improved look for Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is coming together. The three-million-dollar renovation will set apart this popular golf club from every course in the area as a semi-private course destination.
Beginning glimpses at the plans for the updated golf course have buzzed excitement in the community. Almost unheard of in the golf club industry, the club boasts more than a year-long waitlist for locals wanting a chance to be members of the new and improved course. Current members will be the first to experience the newly constructed beachside fairways and greens when the course reopens this fall.
Among other significant changes six greens have been rough shaped and holes 11 and 14 have been the focus of the construction team in the first few weeks. Both holes received new contouring to the greens with attention focused on drainage. Hole 11 received an entirely new look with an elongated pond, a wider fairway and a narrow green that sits close to the pond on the right. Meanwhile, the par five hole 14 is very well bunkered and has an exciting “Redan” inspired putting surface which has been elevated for better visibility.
Beyond the course, there are more enhancements to the golf club in creating spaces intended not only for the most seasoned golfer but also for beginners and youth. In the fall of 2019, Bergin Golf Designs, Inc. displayed their talents by first opening the club’s new short game area. The added practice area has proven to be a fantastic opportunity to work on situational practice for all shots within 50 yards of the hole. Almost any situation found around the greens on the renovated course can be duplicated and practiced at this short game area. The short game facility added two practice bunkers and ample chipping areas – all surrounding a USGA specified practice green.
The club’s board of directors approved a golf enhancement that will not be found at any other area course – a new short course. Practice facilities have never been more valuable to clubs. Members are looking to not only improve their game, but to have a valuable golf experience when their time at the club is limited. As a group, the new practice facilities will take golf at Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club to an entirely new level. In order to provide better quality turf from which to practice, the existing tee will be significantly enlarged on the driving range. The landing area will be highlighted by six well-defined target greens shaped to simulate real greens. These greens will also serve as an integrated six-hole short course. With yardages ranging from 45 to 85 yards to small but interesting greens, the short course will be a welcome opportunity for fun. Appealing targets that mimic actual golf course scenarios will enable golfers to focus better during their practice times and will result in more useful sessions.
For those anxious to get a closer look at the construction progress, hole-by-hole renderings have been made available online at santarosaclub.com/course-renovation. Additionally, to keep all current and future members in the know about the progress on the course; Golf Course Architect, Bill Bergin will provide the members and community on course video updates each week. Find these updates and more through Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is the only member-owned golf course and private beach club on the coast – located on scenic Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Hugging the sugar-white sandy beaches of South Walton, the club spans across more than 85 acres providing members and their guests access to golf, dining, and more. The club boasts an 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course, a beautiful beach club with private pool and beach access, plus dining – including the club’s signature restaurant located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, Vue on 30a. Learn more at www.santarosaclub.com.
About Bergin Golf Designs
Bergin Golf Designs is led by Bill Bergin, whose background in the golf industry is distinct. Bergin played the world’s best golf courses as a touring professional, gained an understanding of club operations and the ability of the everyday player as a teaching professional, and acquired technical design experience under the guidance of noted designer Bob Cupp. Since founding Bergin Golf Designs in 1994, Bergin has combined his strategic instincts and design experience with a dedication to detail in project management. Bergin Golf Designs has been involved in the planning and design of more than 80 golf course projects.
