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The project, led by C.W. Golf Architecture, included improvements to bunker aesthetics, drainage and maintainability on 18 holes.
Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, and owner of C.W. Golf Architecture has completed a two-year, phased bunker renovation at Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Michigan.
The project began with the extensive bunker renovation on the back nine, “The Woods,” in fall 2023 and concluded with the front nine, “The Pines” in fall 2024. Course superintendent Ian Daniels, CGCS, and team worked alongside Wilczynski and contractor TDI Golf during both phases.
Wilczynski, who has been working with CCJ since 2013, has completed other course enhancements for the club from the 2017 master plan he developed, including the expansion of several greens to their original sizes, tree removal, the addition of forward tees and environmentally sustainable native grass areas on select holes.
“Repairing the bunkers was a high priority for the club given their extensive erosion and deterioration which naturally occurs over time,” Wilczynski said. “The goal was to improve the aesthetics, drainage, playability and maintainability of the existing bunkers and to relocate several fairway and greenside bunkers to more strategically appropriate locations. We used the Better Billy Bunker liner to help maintain their shape and their high sand flash style which creates a more visually appealing and consistent look from one hole to the next.”
The storied Country Club of Jackson measures 6,773 yards from the longest tees and was established in 1926 by English designer Arthur Ham, once a field superintendent for the great Golden Age Architect, Donald Ross.
“This has been an incredible transformation and the feedback from the membership has been extremely positive,” Daniels said. “The course has never looked better, and our CCJ turf team is committed to preserving its beauty for our members and their guests to enjoy for years to come.”
