Brand new reversible nine-hole course features a technology-driven practice facility Sanford Golf Design has just completed its comprehensive redesign of the Red/White course at Martin County Golf Course, recently renamed Sailfish Sands Golf Course. Teaming up with contractor TDI Golf, Sanford Golf Design reduced the overall footprint of the former 18-hole course, originally built in the 1920s, into a reversible nine-hole course that can be played in two different directions, renamed the Sands 9 Black and Sands 9 Gold. John Sanford, ASGCA, principal and lead golf course architect for Sanford Golf Design, said, “When Martin County decided to reduce the number of holes from 36 to 27, Kevin Abbate, Parks and Recreation Director, challenged the architects by having them consider unique design approaches like a reversible 9-hole course, double greens or a new modern approach to draw new players to the course. Other challenges were to design the course
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to be family friendly, minimize water usage, and use the natural terrain and native landscape. We understood that we needed to create a new dynamic approach to this project and we believe we exceeded the project scope.” The idea of a reversible 9-hole course stuck and was expanded to include a developmental layout that would be fun for everyone and walkerfriendly. The reversible nines are laid out on about 60 acres and can be played as 18 different holes. The Sands 9 Black course plays clockwise and the Sands 9 Gold course counterclockwise. Both will be available for play every other week, enabling players to enjoy a different experience. They measure 3,368 (Black) and 2,868 (Gold) yards from the back tees, respectively. Each hole has five sets of tee boxes, providing an enjoyable experience for players at every level. “Both routings feature a nice variety of par 3s, 4s, and 5s with
multiple playing angles so that all players can enjoy the reversible experience,” said Sanford. Sailfish Sands’ practice range has also been redesigned to double as a modern “golfertainment” venue. The driving rage will be powered by Toptracer Range, with amenities like shot-tracking technology and distinct target greens set at varying distances. Food and beverage services will also be dramatically improved as Sailfish Sands completes work on its brandnew clubhouse. The facility will be open at night, extending Sailfish Sands’ daily hours of operation. “This is cutting-edge thinking on the part of the Martin County Parks Department, led by Kevin Abbate,” said Sanford. “I can see entire families coming out to enjoy the games available on the range alongside avid golfers using the facilities to hone their skills with swing analytics and statistics.”
Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 1