BallenIsles’ Rees Jones-Redesigned South Course To Reopen Following 8-Month Renovation Project

BallenIsles Country Club’s famed South Course will reopen on Sunday, January 12th following an eight month, $7.5 million golf course renovation project led by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones. BallenIsles will celebrate the course’s reopening with a grand opening event on Sunday, January 12th at 10 a.m. featuring Rees Jones.

Crews from Total Golf began on-course renovation work in April 2019 focused on revitalizing the 55-year-old course. Lead by Ron Despain, the highly regarded project manager from Troon, the renovations included a complete tee-to-green make-over, including new bunkers, design modifications that improve strategy and shot options, an all-new irrigation system, drainage and concrete cart paths. As part of the renovation, a new set of tees was added, measuring approximately 4,000 yards, to provide a shorter course playing option, allowing for 5 to 6 various tee settings and angles to challenge different levels of golfers.

“Embarking on our latest renovation, on the heels of opening our clubhouse, says a lot about our membership and quality we can expect,” BallenIsles Country Club General Manager and COO Ryan Walls. “We have a vision for our community and Rees certainly helped form a key piece of the experience we provide.”

The South Course was originally built in 1964 and designed by Joe Lee and Dick Wilson. Throughout its 55-year history the course has been modified twice; first in 1967 to accommodate the construction of BallenIsles’ North Course; and again in 1999 which included re-grassing and numerous bunker additions. The new 2020 version will maintain the historically popular routing, while bringing a new strategic approach by Mr. Jones and modernizing the playability and conditions to what is expected in today’s private club environment.

With the South Course renovation now complete, BallenIsles Country Club features three modern day championship golf courses, including the North Course and famed East Course, to accommodate its vibrant and active membership.