Pete Dye Visits Ford Plantation to Continue Design



Rain, sleet or snow did not stop Mr. Dye from working during his mid-December visit a week ago at TFP. Okay… it is South Georgia, so it doesn’t sleet or snow… However, it was cold and the golf course received significant rainfall as the Hall of Fame Architect made his way around the 18 hole course. Watching Pete Dye drudge through the torrential rain, mud and muck was simply inspiring. When the visit was completed, the club was awarded with a great photograph, (captured by Dr. Bill Thompson, Restoration & Green Committee Chair) of Mr. Dye on the 14^th golf hole encompassed by a colorful rainbow. A photo for the archives… Great shot Dr. Thompson!     

Mr. Dye reviewing the work at 9 green.

The main objective of Mr. Dye’s visit was to sign off on holes 7, 8, 9 and then continue design work on holes 10-18 and #1. In addition, a major point of emphasis was given to the 18^th, where Mr. Dye spent a couple of hours.

Some of the work being conducted currently includes:

·         Bunker drainage at 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13

·         Green drainage installation at 9

·         Earthwork at #1 golf hole

·         Storm water pipe installment at #2

·         Storm water pipe installment at #3

·         Green development at golf hole 1

·         Golf course drainage at 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 18

·         Bunker construction at 11

·         Storm water pump installation at 18 tee with discharge pipes incuded

·         Irrigation pump installation at the Lake Dye pump house

·         General grading and staking is occurring on the front 9 golf holes

·         Laser leveling of tees is beginning on specific holes

MacCurrach Golf Construction Company will resume work on the course on Monday the 30^th of December. Also, the construction company will observe New Year’s Day on the 1^st and then resume work following the holiday. Enjoy the latest photos from Mr. Dye’s most recent visit below and Happy Holiday’s from the Golf Course Maintenance Department.



#8 green has been developed.

Pete Dye and Project Architect Tim Liddy discussing strategy at a green side bunker.

Tim Liddy takes notes as Dye describes the design features for the 13 green complex.

Mr. Dye and Nelson flagging the 13th tee.

Dye and Liddy reviewing the #14 green site.

The rain belting in on the team. 

Mr. Dye took time to visit the staging area and review the infrastructure. The HDPE irrigation system shown in the back.

Mr. Dye designing the 16th green complex as Tim Liddy looks on.



Chris Kleinsmith and his team from MacCurrach Golf look on as Dye and Liddy discuss the 18th. 

Finally, Mr. Dye on the 13th golf hole as a rainbow stretches out over the horizon.

Drainage Challenges At # 11

Take a walk down your 11th fairway with us, after a 1.75" rain event. Your 11th golf hole is suffering from a major failure in the siphon drainage system as well as in its gravity drainage system. Your golf staff is hard at work diagnosing the problem and to date have come up with three different action plans that will be discussed in this Fridays Green Committee Meeting at 3:30. By the way, all members are invited to Green Committee meetings... Just contact CW or Dr. Thompson (Chairman) ahead of time so that we may fill you in on the meeting location and time which tends to change with everyone's busy schedule this time of year.

The 11th golf hole drainage challenge is complex. We have been struggling with this acute drainage failure for approximately three weeks. After investing and meticulously scrutinizing several corrective actions, we feel confident that your 11th golf hole will be up and running soon.

Drainage Project on 10 and 16 Completed



The drainage project on #10 and #16 is complete and performing well. The new drainage systems will aid in reducing plant and soil saturation by reducing excess water and prolonged leaf wetness in the areas it was installed.

First Step: Removing Sod



Second Step: Trenching Drainage Lines

Third Step: Drainage Trenches Ready for Sand

Forth Step: After Installing Drain Lines Sand is Added

Fifth Step: Prepping Drain Lines for Sod

Drainage Project Completed