24 A resort course in Louisiana has been transformed following a redesign by Jeff Blume, ASGCA, and new irrigation from Hunter Industries When the owners of Cypress Bend Resort in Many, Louisiana, decided to renovate their golf course, three priorities were outlined: enhancing playability, preserving the natural beauty of the layout’s setting and improving course conditions. The resort assembled a team of experts to help it achieve these objectives, including golf course architect Jeff Blume, ASGCA, contractor Mid-America Golf, Hunter Industries and consultant Les Hill for irrigation and operator Sterling Golf Management. A $6.5 million renovation plan was agreed, which included alterations to the course routing and the redesign of all course features, plus a new irrigation system. The story of Cypress Bend You can date the origins of Cypress Bend back to 1968, when the Sabine River was dammed to create the Toledo Bend reservoir, an 87-mile-long lake with 1,200 miles of coastline. Despite becoming a popular fishing destination, accommodation in the area was limited. The Sabine River Authority decided a hotel was required, and that the construction of a golf course would help attract an operator. ASGCA member Dave Bennett designed an 18-hole layout that opened in 1997. Warren Founds, the executive director of Sabine River Authority (SRA) for Louisiana, has played a key role in Cypress Bend’s Walking on water CYPRESS BEND
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