Nashawtuc Country Club to Get Makeover

One of the most recognized and admired names in golf course design, Rees Jones, will renovate Nashawtuc Country Club’s golf course.

At their annual meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, the members of Nashawtuc Country Club unanimously approved a golf course master plan formulated by the world-renowned golf course architect’s firm.

The Master Plan provides a framework for modern renovations while also adding character to the 52-year-old golf course originally designed by the legendary Geoffrey Cornish.

Jones had presented his firm’s master plan at a member forum at Nashawtuc on Nov. 26.

“You have a very good golf course designed by Geoffrey Cornish,” Jones said. “He built this golf course at a time where he got a lot done with limited resources, and I think it’s a great product. You really are isolated from surrounding development, and the natural landscape around the golf course creates a buffer. This provides the member with an opportunity to escape and enjoy the game of golf, which is really kind of special in today’s world.

“I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work on a lot of really fine golf courses and often see things that others can’t see. We see a lot of great potential in the Nashawtuc Country Club’s master plan.”

The scope of the master plan will include a bunker renovation, rebuilding tees and two greens and adding drainage throughout the course. The membership identified a bunker renovation as a primary objective in a 2011 member survey. The overall plan creates a unified long-range vision for the course, improves the golfer experience and assures capital funds are spent in a logical sequence.

Nashawtuc’s president, W. Thomas Smith, has been active throughout the golf course planning process.

“Our board is very pleased the membership approved the Rees Jones Master Plan. The attendance of over 100 members at the Nov. 26 forum speaks to the member interest and excitement created by having Rees work on our course design.” he said.

“I looking forward to working with Rees Jones and his team as they will deliver a superior product and more enjoyable golf course for all of our members and guests,” says golf course superintendent Greg Cormier. “The group has completed design work at some of the most prestigious golf courses around the world. This experience, combined with their ideas and ability to work effectively with Nashawtuc’s management team, provide the level of comfort and trust required to accomplish the club’s goals.”

Jones has earned the moniker “The Open Doctor” for his redesign of many courses in preparation for major championships. His remodeling skills have been applied to seven U.S. Open venues, seven PGA Championship courses, four Ryder Cup and two Walker Cupsites as well as the President’s Cup at the and East Lake Golf Club, the permanent site of the PGA TOUR’s Tour Championship.

Nashawtuc Country Club hosted the Senior Tour for 26 years, the longest running stop on the Tour.