Brentwood CC Remodel Complete


The remodel of Brentwood Country Club in Los Angeles is complete. The newly-refurbished course, renovated by California-based golf course architect Todd Eckenrode-Origins Golf Design, has a new look that involves reducing water usage.

The renovation of the classic layout included the reshaping of four greens plus slight adjustments to all other greens to create additional pin locations, rebuilding green surrounds and reconfiguring approach areas - with a return to the original strategy of "run-up" approach shots and the ground game. Bunkers now reflect a more classic styling and placement, and the course was lengthened to 6,948 yards.

"Through collaboration with the club and its green committee we were able to develop a compelling yet ecologically-efficient design plan which included everything from converting green surfaces from ooa to bentgrass to incorporating a well thought-out tree removal program," said golf course Eckenrode, ASGCA associate and principal with Origins Golf Design.

"We were able to reduce formal turf areas, replacing them with a variety of effective solutions for reducing water use, such as drought-tolerant landscaping, pine straw or mulch under mature tree groves. There were also large sections of the course that were converted from manicured turf to drought-tolerant hardy fescues. The members are excited about the new playing experience, which is gratifying to our design team."

Non-native trees and shrubs were removed and replaced by native specimens (California sycamores and oaks) and the wispy, natural character of the fescue understory was highlighted. The canyon (which prior to the renovation was a golf ball-eating nightmare plus a significant maintenance challenge) is now a natural feature that creates a common thread throughout the course.

The restored canyon was integrated into seven holes and serves as a backdrop for other holes, creating an identity that was lacking prior to Origin's renovation. According to general manager Daniel Enzler, the membership loves the "new" course. "Members are enjoying a wider variety of pin positions as well as a series of newly refurbished bunkers."

Teaming with Origins Golf Design were golf course contractors Landscapes Unlimited/Christensen Irrigation, long-time course superintendent Robert "Bob" O'Connell and staff, irrigation consultants Bryant Taylor Gordon and shapers led by Kye Goalby and Blake Conant, with help from Brian Caesar and Tony Russell.

"Working with Todd Eckenrode and Origins Golf Design's talented senior designer Andy Frank, was a phenomenal experience," said Brentwood's head pro Patrick Casey. "Origin's vision for the renovation exceeded our expectations, it was masterfully achieved while maintaining the integrity of the course every step of the way."

Thomas Klein, co-chair of Brentwood CC's Green Committee, added, "Working with Todd has been a great experience. He has a strong, clear point of view but is never imposing. He listens closely and he cares, a great combination. What I really appreciate about Todd is his sense of classic old-school golf design. Todd is a classicist with a keen artistic eye."