Remodel of Heron Course at Oaks Club Begins


Construction of a renovation of the Heron Course at The Oaks Club in Osprey, Fla., is underway. The project is being overseen by Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design.

The reconstruction, directed by company principal Jason Straka, is intended to enhance playability and improve infrastructure, including significant upgrades in surface and subsurface drainage, irrigation and improved turfgrasses. The club's adjoining Eagle Course is open for play throughout Heron's renovation.

One major objective, according to Straka, is to make Heron more adaptive to a broader spectrum of golfers, including beginners, women, seniors, families and skilled players through the addition of six sets of tees. The new Heron Course will stretch 6,705 yards from the tips, while the front tees will be at 4,027.

"Golf is now stretched out over generations," said Straka, "which is good for the game. All players on the generational and skills spectrum need to get around the course successfully and enjoy themselves, and the vibrant membership and guests at this club now will be able to do just that."

One feature at the Heron course that intrigued Straka was the width of the playing corridors, in contrast to other Florida courses. He found the attribute a benefit from a design perspective, allowing for more shaping options.

The revamped course will have new contours, improved bunkers and revised greens complexes. Traffic patterns will be improved due to the removal of some overgrown trees and shrubbery. A significant investment is being made in an HDPE-fused irrigation system, subsurface drainage, concrete paths with curbing, enhanced bunkers, and disease- and shade-resistant turf. In addition, new stormwater-control structures are being installed.

A ground-game component is also being added. Most of the approaches to the former greens were blocked by bunkers and water hazards. Now, greenside chipping areas will allow a variety of recovery shots, thus enhancing playability.

During Heron's reconstruction, members are being provided with weekly updates and video links. Of special interest is drone footage that's recording the progress of the renovation.

"The drone footage is an exciting aspect of the reconstruction," said Nick Kearns, director of green and grounds at The Oaks Club, "providing a fascinating archival and historical record of the entire process. Both current and future members will enjoy seeing the newly-designed Heron Course unfold before their very eyes."

For more information about the 1,000-acre Oaks Club - which in addition to 36 holes of golf features a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse with three restaurants, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, a pool complex, croquet and guest lodge - visit www.theoaksclub.com.

For more information about Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, visit www.frystraka.com.