Jacobsen/Hardy-designed course undergoing a huge overall upgrade
WACO, Texas (Aug. 19, 2020) – Bear Ridge Golf Club, the semi-private golf gem here which is being fully restored, took another important positive step recently. The opening of 18 new champion ultra-dwarf grass greens at the Peter Jacobsen/Jim Hardy designed course undergoing a huge overall upgrade.
The greens were open to members and the general public in late July. While they’re still in the growing-in phase, they should be fully ready for early fall.
The bunkers have also been full upgraded and restored and work in the fairways on the par 72 course is progressing on the layout, which can play as far back as 7,123 yards.
“We got a little ways to go before they are really good, but overall we are very happy with the progress so far,” said course superintendent Andrew Moore.
Waco businessman Tommy Tompkins, who purchased the course last fall, and has since provided plenty of inspiration and money to Bear Ridge, said the addition of the new greens was an improvement on a once well-respected course, which has seen plenty of positive changes over the last 12 months.
“It’s another step, a big one, to get to where we wanted to be with Bear Ridge. We want to be the best golf course between Dallas and Austin and one of the best in the state. This just gets us closer to where we want to be.”
Moore praised the work of Don Henderson from Land Constructors and Morris Brown from Champion Turf Farms for the complex project which took much of the summer at the course.
“I’m very pleased to see Bear Ridge opening with the new greens,” said longtime Lone Star State golf architect Chet Williams, the designer of the No. 1 course in Texas, who has provided some consulting work at Bear Ridge.
“The commitment shown by Tommy and Andrew and the rest of their team is impressive. The course will once again be a big asset to the Waco golfing community.”
Tompkins said the work continues at Bear Ridge, including leveling the fairway grass to the cart paths, adding lights to the driving range for nighttime practice and adding a B&B loft above the clubhouse for those who want to spend the week or weekend at Bear Ridge to pair with other local attractions, including the Magnolia Silos.
“The Bear Ridge story has to be one of the best turnaround stories in the state this year. The job Tommy and Andrew have done is nothing short of miraculous,” said longtime Bear Ridge member Wes Null.
For more information contact: Tommy Tompkins, Bear Ridge Golf Club, tommyt60@gmail.com.
