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Renovations on the Long Island course focused on tees, bunkers and irrigation updates.
Old Westbury Golf & Country Club has unveiled the total renovation of its 27-hole golf course, a project designed to elevate playability, modernize infrastructure and preserve the character of the Long Island club.
The project, led by golf course architect Brian Silva, included the reconstruction of 28 greens to USGA specifications, the rebuilding of all tees, the modernization of bunkers with the installation of the Better Billy Bunker system, new irrigation and pump station, and targeted architectural refinements to the Woods, Bluegrass, and Overlook nines. The renovation was completed in a three-month construction window.
“Our objective was to create a more playable and strategic golf course while preserving the championship quality and character that have long defined Old Westbury,” Old Westbury board president Mark Rosen said. “With this renovation now complete, our members can enjoy a golf experience that reflects both the traditions of the club and the standards expected of a premier modern facility.”
The original course was designed in 1962 by William Mitchell. Its 3 nines were known for hilly topography; fast, pushed-up greens with multi-level false fronts; and more than 100 bunkers. Of the 28 original greens (including the practice putting green), more than half were not to USGA specs, with only surface (no internal) drainage. Also, many were severely sloped, which made it hard to find pin positions as green speeds evolved.
Silva’s remit was to renovate the course, specifically greens, tees and bunkers, plus some minor changes in and along fairways to create more interest and variety. All greens were planted with 007XL bentgrass, a top-rated “super bent” known for its fine texture, density and consistently green color. The varietal was developed by Dr. Richard Hurley, formerly of Rutgers University, who has been consulting with the club on the best maintenance methods.
Other changes to the course include cutting the number of bunkers from more than 100 to about 70; lowering the pushed-up greens to fairway level; rebuilding all the tees; and replacing the entire irrigation system with more than 30 miles of new pipe, controls, and infrastructure. Also, many greenside bunkers were removed, and what was once rough has been replaced by short-cut chipping areas.
“This renovation presented an opportunity to improve fundamental infrastructure and strengthen the strategic character of the golf course without losing the spirit of the original design,” Silva said. “The result is a course that should perform better, play better, and serve the membership exceptionally well for years to come.”
Almost as important as the renovation was the club’s desire to get it done with minimal disruption to member play. The project demanded military-like precision and planning— managing everything from parking and deliveries to housing, hydration and meals for workers—which allowed superintendent Tom McAvoy, main contractor NMP Golf Construction and numerous subcontractors to get the job done in just three months.
Silva added that the renovated course delivers flexibility in course setup while giving members more shot-making options around the greens. The new surfaces and supporting infrastructure systems allow the club to maintain high standards of conditioning while enhancing playability throughout the season.
“We had a good golf course on a great piece of property,” Rosen said. “Now we have a great golf course on a great piece of property.”
