ARGENT LAKES SET TO CONTINUE WITH PHASE 2 SOON
BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
 (January 2008)
Sun City Hilton Head's latest golf course addition, Argent Lakes Golf Club, is gearing up to begin phase 2 of construction.

DelWebb/Pulte Homes' latest South Carolina golf project is a bit on the unusual side, as not only is it a specifically membership-requested par-60 executive course with 6 par-4s and 12 par-3s, but also in that it spans across two counties and is being constructed in phases. 

Due to permitting issues and for marketing purposes, the four holes located in Beaufort County alongside Highway 278 were built first, providing the framework for the grand entrance to what will be Sun City's newest expansion.

As the project moves further along and across county lines, construction of another 5 holes is slated to begin early 2008 to complete a first loop of 9 playable holes, with the remaining 9 to be built at a later time. 

Check back on this web page for further updates in the future.
KIAWAH ISLAND RESORT'S COUGAR POINT GOLF COURSE RECEIVES MORE HONORS!
HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA
 (September 2007)
Adding to its already sizable list of honors, Kiawah Island Resort's Cougar Point Golf Course has recently been declared the "Golf Course of the Year" by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.

Originally named Marsh Point, Cougar Point was redesigned by FGG's Tim Freeland as lead architect for Gary Player Design in 1996 and measures 6,875 yards from the back tees. Th course is a good blend of short and long par 4s, great risk-reward par 5s and very scenic, yet demanding par 3s.  The course is a great example of blending playability with challenge.

To further add to its accolades, Cougar Point was awarded a near-perfect 4½ stars in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” reader’s poll.

A ROUND OF GOLF AT CAROLINA LAKES GOLF CLUB
LANCASTER COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA
 (July 2007)
By Freeland Golf Group's Vice President Maximilian Suchy

I have had a ton of fun playing our newly finished Carolina Lakes Golf Course which serves as the centerpiece of Del Webb Communities' latest Sun City Development in Lancaster County, South Carolina, and I wanted to give visitors to our web site a few comments on this beautiful new course, which has gotten great feedback from members and guests.  I think we really succeeded in translating the fun and thought that went into designing and building this course, into playing enjoyment and strategic interest.

Hole #1 "Gambit":
This hole is anything but the "gentle handshake" you often get on the starting holes.  Although, it does play easier than it looks.  The first time you step on the tee of this medium-long par 4, you may get a little nervous, as the uphill tee shot over a small creek looks rather intimidating. 

Once you clear the creek, however, there is plenty of room on the fairway, and even though the green looks hard to approach, there is ample room to the sides and behind it, so even if you miss, you get a chance to recover.

Hole #2 "Fatal Beauty":
The first hole that was built and finished, this medium-short par 4 is one of the prettiest holes out there.  Flanked by a creek on the left, the best line to take is on the right side of the fairway, which will allow for a better line into the green.  Challenge the large fairway bunkers from the tee, and you will be rewarded with a shorter approach into the green... which steps down in the direction of the creek.  A beautifully shaped hole that should excite anyone who appreciates great bunkering.

Hole #3 "Great Depression":
On this giant par 5, you would have to be a serious long hitter to have any chance of ever reaching the green here.  The tee shot, however, demands accuracy, and anything missing the fairway left is in trouble. 

On your second shot, you get the option of how you want to treat the second landing area's small bunker, which splits the fairway into a wider, but longer left approach to the green, or a more risky but shorter right passage - with the green just peeking out behind, but well-protected by a large "valley of sin" type depression  in front - this green may be bunkerless, but it is by no means defenseless!

Hole #4 "Air Mail":
The first of the great set of par-3s on this course, the shot from tee to green is dramatically downhill, making players take their best guesses at their club selection, and keeping a weary eye on the always present breeze.  If the pin is cut on the left, it is extremely well protected by the creek that winds around it, but clever players may use the mounding to the right to aim for the safe side, and letting their ball bounce back on to the green, using the deliberately shaped contours of the bail-out area.

Hole #5 "Ray's Corner":
A tight tee shot that primarily requires straightness, this is a good hole to hit a 5-wood, hybrid or iron off the tee, and let the natural flow of the land take the ball further down the landing area.  The green sits beautifully above a small creek in a setting that is reminiscent of Augusta National.  As with most holes on this course, there is one side of the green well-defended, while there is an alternate, less risky approach in a large bail area to the right side.

Hole #6 "Gut of the Serpent":
The second par-5 of the round, this one is considerably shorter, but players can't get too greedy off the tee... unless they are prepared to carry the creek that dissects the fairway just past the landing area - a strategically placed tee shot will be a lot more useful than simply bombing the driver out there.  The snaking uphill approach to the second landing area and gree is spiced up by an attractive set of bunkers, making the second shot on this hole one of the most picturesque moments of the round.

Hole #7 "White Knuckles":
This is the second par-3, a much longer and sterner challenge than the short and fun 3rd hole.  While players must carry the serene pond in front of the green that is sure to provide a lot of drama and heartbreak  for those trying to hit it close to the pin, there is a giant bail backdrop to this hole that allows the fainter of heart to try and finesse theit balls over the green with a longer club, and hope for it to ricochet back down the slope, closer or on to the green.

Hole #8 "Smoke 'n' Pot":
Another medium par-4 that favors a straight drive over a long one.  Similarly to the 5th hole, the ball is carried further along by a downhill landing area.  If you dare to smoke your drive through the narrow saddle of the fairway and steer clear of the bunker to the right, your ball will travel a mile, and you'll be left with just a short pitch to the green, which is well bunkered, in particular well defended by a small pot bunker just in front that leaves plenty of shot options... should one run the ball up on the left, the right, or try to lob over it?  Get weak knees, and you will likely end up IN it.

Hole #9 "Desert Squadron":
A hole truly awesome in scale, this medium par-4 is very wide and players on the tee are faced with a barrage of fairway bunkers looking back at them... making the actually very wide and generous landing area look like nothing more of a thin sliver of fairway.  If one will challenge the sand trap cluster on the right, the approach into the green could end up a lot shorter than taking the safer route to the very wide left side.  Players approaching the green may well be under scrutiny from their peers at the club house or the adjacent practice areas.

Hole #10 "Green Banana":
This medium par-4 is yet another hole that looks as if it had been part of the landscape for decades.  A strong dogleg right, players may attempt to flirt with disaster and cut the corner, but strategically placed inside bunkers and trees make this a risky endeavor. 

It helps to be able to work the ball left to right, as there is trouble on the outside of the dogleg as well.  The green provides more challenge: players do NOT want to hit it long or right here, because everything just drops off into the right hand side jungle from there.


Hole #11 "The Wall":
Completely inadvertently, the feature that immediately distinguishes this short par-4 is the giant 40-fot high wall the developers constructed on the left side of the landing area after the hole had already been designed and built!  Certainly more than just an unusual oddity, this wall may well turn out to be a strategic feature.  When I played this hole, one of my playing partners hit the ball on top of the wall, where it stayed (out of bounds), while another hit the wall and bounced back into the fairway.

Hole #12 "Rock 'n' Stone":
Another memorable par-3, this one is on the shorter side again, but very dramatic, as it is cut into a rocky hillside, with an exposed rock face framing the entire back of the hole, and a large artistic bunker wrapping all the way around the green's front and right side, before all drops off into an abyss-like wetland preserve. 

Even on this par 3 some may speculate on being able to bounce the ball back on to the green from the steep slopes behind, or even off the rock ledge itself. 

Hole #13 "Catawba":
When players reach the par-5 13th, they will have ventured to the lowest point of the property, right in the floodplain of the Catawba river, which gently accompanies this hole on the right side.  A snaking double dogleg, the only lake created during construction of this course can be seen from the tee, but doesn't come into play until the second shot.  This is clearly a risk-reward par-5, and those who play a solid drive and cut both corners of the dogleg have a good chance at reaching the green, which, however, is one of the most undulating and challenging on the course.

Hole #14 "Uprising":
Hole #14 tees cradle the other side of the lake, leaving #13 green and the Catawba river behind, and beginning the climb back up to the club house.  While the water does come into play on the left, the ideal tee shot is taken up the right side, challenging the fairway trap, but the best angle into the green depends on that day's pin position.  This beautiful hole is surrounded by some of the most expensive home sites of the development.

Hole #15 "Dam Buster":
Possibly the prettiest hole of the course, #15 is a shortish par-4 that runs along an existing rebuilt farm pond that has been dammed up near the green.  Truly great views from the elevated tees down on to a two tiered fairway, white sand, and blue waters may temporarily give players a false sense of tranquility, as anything that goes right will find a watery grave.  The smart play may once more be to stay away from trouble and use the shapes of the hole to direct the ball back to where you want it.

Hole #16 "Brat":
The final par-3 of the course is also the longest, and truly a stern test to those who dare take a direct shot at the pin over the rebuilt farm pond.  Visually very impressive and intimidating from the back 4 tee boxes, players have to face down what seems to be nothing but sand and water, take a deep breath, and speak a silent prayer until their ball lands safely. 

The fainter of heart, however, may once more try to take their chances with the generous strategic bailout areas, which may help them propel their ball into a safer place near or on the green through their clever shaping.


Hole #17 "Steak Tomato":
Like a juicy steak tomato, this very short but twisted par-5 is ripe for the plucking, if you play your shots right.  The tee shot can be tricky: if hit too straight, the drive may overshoot the fairway.  Work a draw and try to cut too much off the left corner, and never see your ball again.  And of course, a chunked drive will make quick acquaintance with the third and final reconstructed farm pond guarding the front of the fairway.  A perfectly placed tee shot, however, will leave a mid-iron approach into the elevated green, which looks to be fiercely protected by a trap that is actually a good 40 yards out in the fairway, making the approach shot a lot more intimidating than it actually is.

 Hole #18 "Ultimate Truth":
The 18th hole is another strong par-4, and a worthy finish to a fun filled round.  The final downhill tee shot puts great closing pressure on players, as they must ensure they stay in play as they take a final look down the fairway into the heart of the project. 

The rather inconspicuous fairway trap on the right will collect a lot of balls that are hit without consideration for the right-to-left nature of the hole, but get too far away from the right side, and the approach to the well-bunkered green will show extra teeth.  The entire left side of the putting surface is heavily defended, but the contouring of the green allowing players to run their ball to the more difficult pin positions from the bail area.  A great final test as conclusion of a memorable round of golf!
LONGLEAF PINES CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY!
BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA
 (March 2007)
Our promising project in Baldwin County, Alabama is now known as Longleaf Pines Golf Club, and construction is well under way on this very beautiful and exciting property. 

"I think it's a fitting name for this project, there are Longleaf pines all over the site, and they make out much of the look and feel of the place" says LPGA legend Jan Stephenson, FGG's Signature partner in  our  joint venture company, Jan Stephenson Design, Inc.

Once the holes began to be cleared, what had been hinted at during the planning phase became very obvious to the naked eye that the routing chosen through this site was going to provide one of the best scenic golf courses in the State of Alabama.  The layout artfully meanders alongside giant wetlands, and features many great downhill tee shot vistas, with several holes of an awesome scale that is rarely found these days on a development course.  Holes like numbers 4, 5, 6, 9, 15, 17 and 18 all really impress with their awe-inspiring challenges and shot values.  

Construction continues throughout 2007, and is to wrap up in 2008.
CAROLINA LAKES GOLF CLUB A HIT WITH THE MEMBERS
LANCASTER COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA
 (January 2007)
After opening for play in late 2006, feedback received from the membership and guests at Carolina Lakes Golf Club has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.  Members of all playing abilities and genders have been excited about this latest edition to the Del Webb Sun City network of golf courses.

Tim Freeland: "It is just a real FUN course to play.  Everybody, including myself, had a blast at the opening, and I keep hearing positive feedback all around"
POLO CLUB EQUESTRIAN COURSE OPENS!
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
(December 2006)
Exactly five years after the grand re-opening of their Club Course, the Polo Club of Boca Raton had reason to celebrate again - this time, with the grand re-opening of their second 18 holes, the Equestrian Course.  And while many of the same faces were present this time around, with not only the members and staff of the Club, but also the same golf course architecture team (Freeland Golf Group) and golf course contractor (Ryan Golf Corporation), two things were markedly different this time: the look and feel of the golf course itself.... and the weather.

Members and guests were struggling to keep warm on one of the coldest days of the year, but the gray skies, often dissected by light rain, could not curb the general enthusiasm for officially inaugurating the newest gem of the Polo Club.  One thing that drew immediate accolades from the membership was the completely different look and feel the Equestrian Course has from the Club Course, a deliberate goal of the design team to provide the club with two very distinct courses, each with their own character.  If you knew nothing about who designed the golf courses here, you would be hard pressed to guess that it was the same architecture and construction team for both - while the Club Course, with its narrower corridors has a more dramatic "vertical" style of design and shaping, the Equestrian Course, lays out more open and "horizontal" manner.  Clearly different are also the bunker style and the amount of movement on the greens:

The smaller bunkers on the Club Course feature more "fingers" and "bays" that suit the more compact look of those 18 holes, while the more open layout of the Equestrian Course allowed for larger, more traditional bunkers.  While the greens on the Club Course are more on the conservative side to accommodate the tighter layout, the Equestrian Course putting surfaces pose a few surprises and challenges, including some dramatic shelves that put a premium on strategic approaches to the flagstick position of that day.  It remains to be seen which course will prove to be the more difficult for the members to play, the more undulating Club Course, or the Equestrian Course with the more demanding putting surfaces.

Reaction to the new course has been overwhelmingly positive. Freeland Golf Group will close the books on a long and successful relationship with the Polo Club of Boca Raton with all 36 holes and practice facilities masterfully renovated.
POLO CLUB EQUESTRIAN CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE!
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
(September 2006)
The Polo Club of Boca Raton has been on the design boards of the Freeland Golf Group from the very beginning, as it was one of the original projects FGG worked on right after its foundation.  Having successfully completed a full renovation  of the Club Course, which culminated with a grand re-opening in December 2002, the members and management of the Polo Club opted to once again put their trust into FGG to renovate their second 18 holes, the Equestrian Course as well.  Now, with the final construction site visit complete, and the grand re-opening slated for December, the Polo Club of Boca Raton is about to be off FGG's design boards for the first time.

The unique challenges posed by the renovations of both courses are symptomatic for south Florida private high-end development course renovations:  dealing with a tight golf course envelope set in stone between already built and inhabited luxury homes, addressing homeowner and member concerns, storm water runoff capacity issues, wetland mitigation requirements, and the demanding time table to complete the project in the summer off-months when members are in the north to get the course ready for play for their return in the winter.  Those were all classic issues to be confronted.  While the completion of design and construction of the Equestrian Course was no cakewalk, much of the valuable experience gained during the Club Course project 4 years ago proved invaluable to a smooth, timely and successful completion of this latest endeavor.

Ryan Golf Construction of  Deerfield Beach, Florida, the contractors on the Club Course project in 2002, were selected again to build the Equestrian Course, ensuring the same standard of quality will be found on both courses.  "To get a repeat client in this very competitive and demanding market - private south Florida courses - is a great vote of confidence from the Club and members, and a testimony to the good work done here" says FGG President Tim Freeland, ASGCA.  "I was thrilled to
be invited back here to do the second course, and I believe it turned out even better.  I am really looking forward to the grand re-opening in a few weeks time."

"Since the same golf course architects and contractors were selected for both courses, one of the challenges was to make the courses look and play different, to give them each their own identity" adds FGG's Vice President Maximilian Suchy, "We achieved this by taking advantage of the Equestrian Course's generally wider envelopes, using more sweeping shapes, a more classic, softer bunkering style, and a different palette of landscaping materials.  Members will be able to enjoy a different experience on each course."

With grow-in to be completed in November, the Polo Club's Equestrian Course is scheduled for a grand re-opening in early December of 2006

CAROLINA LAKES IS TURNING INTO A GEM!
LANCASTER COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA
 (March 2005)
As hole after hole takes shape at Carolina Lakes Golf Club, it becomes more and more evident that the Freeland Golf Group designed course promises to turn into a real gem.  The rolling natural landscape makes for many interesting elevation differences within the course, and the big, bold bunkering of the course will look great amongst the tree save areas which have been thoughtfully preserved at the golf course perimeters.

With shaping completed on about half of all holes, FGG architects Tim Freeland and Maximilian Suchy are pleased with the look and feel of the course so far.  "I think this course will be a lot of fun to play," says Tim, "it has a good flow to it, and there are a lot of FUN shots to hit, basically on each and every hole.  I really can't wait to play it, myself!".

"Initially we were a bit worried about a couple of the holes that were a bit challenging to build, but we managed to save a lot of trees in places where we never expected it, and the grades all seem to work out very well" adds Max, "There will not be a weak hole on this course, this should be spectacular from the first drive to the last putt."

Construction continues through the spring, and first rounds will be played at Carolina Lakes this fall.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON ALABAMA PROJECT!
BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA
 (February 2005)
Clearing and grubbing work has begun on the as of yet unnamed project in Baldwin Country, Alabama, which goes by the current working title of "Highway 225 Project".  Freeland Golf Group provides land planning services and complete golf course design and construction documentation for the project, under the Jan Stephenson Design umbrella, making this the first Jan Stephenson Signature Course in Alabama.

During a first construction site visit by FGG's Maximilian Suchy and LPGA Legend Jan Stephenson, the project property revealed amazing potential, as the cleared envelopes already begin to look like a golf course that really fits into the lay of the land, and the excitement among the project team is building in anticipation of what promises to become an excellent golf course.

Clearing on site is progressing well.  Most of the front nine holes as well as 18 fairway and the driving range have been cleared.  The contractor has done a great job so far in preserving trees and keeping the clearing line irregular.  The site is dominated by longleaf pine trees.  No decision has yet been made on the project name, but "Longleaf" may well be a part of it.
Construction will continue through the summer.

POLO CLUB MEMBERS VOTE YES TO EQUESTRIAN COURSE RENOVATION!
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
 (November 2005)
After the success of the renovation of their Club Course 18 holes in 2002, the members of the Polo Club of Boca Raton have voted in favor of moving ahead with the full renovation of their second 18 holes, the Equestrian Course, as well as their driving range.  Freeland Golf Group was retained as the golf course architects as part of the Club's long term strategy to improve both 18 hole courses, and plans and specifications provided by FGG were instrumental in obtaining bids and pricing the project before it went to vote at the general assembly of the membership.


Ryan Golf Construstion, the builders of the Club Course, were selected as the contractors for the Equestrian Course as well, to complete the "reunion" of the 2002 project team.  Construction will begin in March of 2006, with a grand re-opening planned in November 2006.

CONSTRUCTION IS ON ITS WAY AT CAROLINA LAKES!
LANCASTER COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA
(August 2005)
Construction is under way at the Carolina Lakes Golf Course as part of Pulte/Del Webb's Sun City Carolina Lakes active adult community in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Freeland Golf Group's Tim Freeland and Maximilian Suchy designed the new course that will be built and owned by the Charlotte-based Blythe Development Company.

The course routes its way through the rolling hillside while dissecting light forest and pasture land on it’s way to the Catawba River, which can be seen from the 13th and 14th holes. The course was routed in a manner that takes advantage of several existing creeks and lakes along the way. A large created wetland on the back nine further adds to the course's pristine tranquility.

While the course winds through an active adult community, it is by no means a "senior" layout: "Players in their 50's and 60's are hitting the golf ball further today than they ever have", says Tim Freeland, ASGCA, President of Freeland Golf Group, "For that reason, the golf course is by no means lessened from a challenge point of view. Often times, when you hear “active adult community” golf course, you envision an executive-type layout, but this is not so with Carolina Lakes. Many times in the past, courses designed for this type of development were simply made too easy, even boring. We designed a track that better fits the realities of today's active adults who are staying fit and taking maximum advantage of new golf equipment."

With a total of six teeing grounds, including a "family tee" that gives an optional Par-58 layout for fun events, the course will still accommodate all levels of player, with the yardage from the tips measuring a proud 7249 yards at Par 72. "It's great, because residents can bring their grandchildren out here and introduce them to the game of golf from the family tees, but also get their competitive juices going, teeing it up against their active lifestyle peers on this challenging but fair course", adds Maximilian Suchy.

Construction will continue until the Summer of 2006 with a Fall 2006 opening.

COUGAR POINT IS FEATURED ON GOLFCAROLINA.COM!
KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
(January 16, 2004)
The Tim Freeland-designed Cougar Point Course at Kiawah Island Resort was the subject of a Feature Story recently published by GolfCarolina.com Senior Editor Shane Sharp.  The article reads as follows (all text and photograph are copyright GolfCarolina.com)

Cougar Point, Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Pete Dye's Ocean Course -- Ryder Cup, Bagger Vance, and seaside setting considered -- is the undisputed champion of this rambling, 10,000-acre golf playground. Jack Nicklaus' Turtle Point and Tom Fazio's Osprey Point run a distance second and third. Cougar Point -- the course formerly known as Marsh Point -- is often cast aside like a broken tee.

Gary Player's design team authored the course back in 1976 when the resort was just emerging from the wind-swept beaches of Kiawah Island. Marsh Point was originally slated as an executive course, as its precarious perch between the Kiawah River and the edge of the island left little room for a full par-71 or 72 layout. Midway through the design process, however, the course's original owners decided to stretch it to 6,400 yards.

For whatever reason (shortest course, cheapest course, quirkiest greens), Marsh Point was by far and away the least popular of the resort's four circuits. Tim Freeland, Player's senior designer at the time, returned in 1995 and completely gutted the course. Other than the routing, nothing was off limits. Freeland altered every bunker, green and tee box, and even moved every forced carry on the course.

The result is the best little resort course at Kiawah Island Resort no one talks (or writes) about. In fact, at just over 6,800 yards, Cougar Point isn't so little anymore. The front nine opens with a well-planned, par 4, 3, 5 sequence and then segues to three scenic holes overlooking the Kiawah River. The back nine features one of the resort's more controversial par-5 holes (No. 15) and a solid finishing hole with a legitimate risk/reward approach shot over water.

WOODLANDS MEMBERS THRILLED WITH THEIR NEW EAST COURSE GREENS!
FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
(January 8, 2004)
 Word from Woodlands Country Club is that the members are absolutely thrilled with our recently completed greens renovation.  Freeland Golf Group conducted a comprehensive overhaul of all of Woodlands' East Course greens this summer, in collaboration with renowned golf course builders Quality Grassing & Services, Inc. and veteran Golf Course Superintendent Richard Lemmel.  The renovation entailed a complete reshaping and complete reconstruction of 14 greens within the existing green bunker frame, and the complete redesign and construction of four entirely new greens complexes, including all bunkers.

The 14 renovated greens were expanded to their original sizes, while receiving a visual and strategic makeover.  These new putting surfaces now have in some cases twice the pin positions and playing options they did previously through years of shrinkage.  The new greens were built in place of four greens complexes which were determined "beyond recovery".  They take maximum advantage of the existing earth volumes available, and together with the 14 renovated greens give the course a fresh new look that has the membership excited.  "Woodlands East Course is a great example of maximizing the benefit to a course within a relatively tight budget" says FGG President Tim Freeland, "Providing more value for less money is how we have been able to stay busy during these lean times in the Golf Course Development Industry."  We have provided an extreme makeover without the extreme budget. I am very happy with the outcome, and I am pleased that the members feel the same!"

If our clients are happy, so are we!

WE HAVE MOVED OFFICE!
(December 13, 2003)
Freeland Golf Group now has a new office!  Please note our new address and phone / fax numbers, listed above.  We now have an e-fax number, enabling us to receive and send faxes from anywhere in the world.  The new numbers are: PHONE (904) 879-0626 and E-FAX (321) 985-0209.

FREELAND GOLF GROUP FORMS ASSOCIATION WITH LPGA LEGEND JAN STEPHENSON:
ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA
(August 23, 2003)
Freeland Golf Group and LPGA Legend Jan Stephenson, winner of  three Major Championships and over 30 professional victories worldwide, have formed a working relationship to provide design services under the Jan Stephenson Signature Design label.  

Jan, an accomplished course designer in her own right, has recently opened Walkabout Golf Club in Ormond Beach, her first signature design course.  Over the past 35 years of playing professional golf, Jan has visited and studied most all of the great golf courses of the world, and she considers herself fortunate to be able to apply her experience in the design of courses today.

Jan will be teaming up with Freeland Golf Group to coordinate planning and construction documentation efforts, and to provide additional technical support and background expertise during the design and construction process.  

We are looking forward to working with Jan on many exciting projects in the future!  Visit Jan Stephenson's web site at: http://www.janstephensoninc.com.

OLD HICKORY GOLF CLUB GAINS FIRST CRITICAL ACCLAIM:
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
(August 3, 2003)
The first verdicts are in on our recently opened Virginia course Old Hickory G.C. - and they are good!

Alan Nichols from Golf Link Travel writes:

"The centerpiece of the new community of River Falls in Prince William County is this breathtaking layout designed by Tim Freeland. Formerly the lead architect for Gary Player, who designed Raspberry Falls in Leesburg, Va., Freeland is now on his own, and Old Hickory is his first signature course...  ... Old Hickory is a stunning design, featuring holes with dramatic elevation changes in a thickly wooded setting. The generally wide fairways are framed thoughtfully by large bunkers and mounds or high banks. The fairways pitch and roll to photogenic green complexes with hardwood backdrops.

"The course makes you think. On more than a few holes, success depends on what side of the fairway you place your tee shot. Some holes, including the par-5 3rd, featuring two large fairway bunkers that split the fairway just in front of the green, present interesting risk-reward decisions. Yet, for all its mental challenge, the course is fair. Relatively little earth was moved to create a course that lays out naturally, and beautifully, on the land. Featuring some of the best, most visually exciting par 3’s you will ever play, Old Hickory has greatness stamped all over it."

Pros'n'Hackers Magazine's Adam McCaa writes about Old Hickroy in his three-page feature  article "A Winning Design and Operation":

"As soon as you enter the River Falls Community, you will see a glimpse of Tim Freeland's spectacular design...  ... Old Hickory includes many facets of design, which make it quite unique to our area.  The first thing is that it is extremely natural.  Each hole looks like it was carved right into the lay of the land...  ... Old Hickory will make you think.  Club selection will be important with many shots where you will need more club and others where your ball will carry more.
...
"The fairways are fairly wide and the mounding on each side of the fairway will generally keep the ball in play...  ... There is no doubt about it, Old Hickory is very challenging.  You must play the appropriate tee boxes.  This is one of those courses where you don't want to bite off more than you can chew.  There are four sets of tees, so choose wisely.  Old Hickory's greens are well protected and most greens have either a false front or a collection area.  Although there are many challenging approach shots, many of the greens offer you at least one safe place to come into the green.  Many of the holes offer a risk/reward, so making the right decision will reflect in your scores.
...
"It is certain that Old Hickory will take its place as one of the great golf courses in our area."

* * *
Thank you, gentlemen.  We are glad you enjoyed Old Hickory, and we sure appreciate the positive reviews!  

OLD HICKORY OPENING DAY:
WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA
(July 15, 2003)
Today is a proud and exciting day for Freeland Golf Group, as  it's opening day at our newest 18-hole creation, Old Hickory Golf Club!   After two years of construction, Raspberry Falls' sister course today officially opens its gates to the public!

With its beautiful undulating terrain and ample natural features that were preserved through clever routing of the course, Old Hickory is poised to even surpass its successful "big sister."  

"The course lays in gently rolling terrain covered with pine, oak, maple and hickory," says FGG President, Tim Freeland.  "It’s bisected by Beaver Creek, with about nine holes to the north and nine to the south of the creek.  For about half the holes, we didn’t have to move any earth at all; the holes just set down into the site naturally."

Many other creeks, tributaries of Beaver Creek, trickle through the property, and Freeland Golf Group incorporated them into the design of Old Hickory's holes. Where housing sites are located, they lie toward the high side of the fairways, to make it more comfortable for golfers, and to provide outstanding golf views from the real estate.

Players will find the fairways very wide and open, and mounded on the sides to contain balls, but to score well on this course, strategy and skill will be essential.  "I think we succeeded in desiging a course that caters to all levels of players.  Here, beginners and weekend golfers won't be frustrated by an overly difficult layout, while the course has some real teeth from the back tees.  I think everyone playing here will really enjoy it, and appreciate all the wonderful views.  It's a very pretty course."  

FGG Vice President Maximilian Suchy adds: "It's a real marvel.  I think this course will turn some heads in the D.C. area, and probably beyond.  It's just one fun hole after the other... and even after you finish your round, you find more excitement!", referring to the tricky 100-yard par-3 "Challenge Hole" situated behind the 18th green, where golfers have a chance to settle any unresolved matches with a single shot over a treacherous creek to a small and well-protected green!

If you would like more information on Old Hickory Golf Club, please call Freeland Golf Group at (904) 777-0999, or Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club at (703) 779-2555.

LEVERA PROGRESS:
GRENADA, WEST INDIES
(May 22, 2003)

Things are progressing well at Levera Golf Club in Grenada.  The awesome scale and views on this course will be sure to turn some heads, once completed and open for play!

The picture to the left shows the club house area under construction, immediately flanked by hole #1 tees and hole #9 green. Behind the club house area, you can see holes #14 and 15 playing out to the ocean (left side of the picture), where they will meet the picturesque par-3 16th, which is situated immediately on the beach.  Right behind the club house, holes #17 and 18 can be seen returning from the beach.  The untouched lagoon and mangrove preserve area is to the right of the picture.  The long views speak for themselves.
WOODLANDS CONSTRUCTION TO KICK OFF:
FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
(April 10, 2003)

Construction is poised to begin within two weeks at the Woodlands Country Club in Ft. Lauderdale.  Freeland Golf Group was selected to oversee the renovation of 15 greens on the East Course, the practice green, and the redesign and construction of three entirely new greens complexes.  

The planned renovations will remedy three decades of greens shrinkage, turf contamination, surface settlement and general deterioration of the putting surfaces, and return the greens to their original size and configuration in many places, adding area and pin positions to reduce wear and tear stress, while enhancing playing strategy and enjoyment.  

The three proposed new greens will replace greens complexes that are in need of extra attention in order to keep up with current standards from a playability and aesthetic viewpoint.  FGG has prepared detailed greens plans and computer-enhanced sketches (see above right) to help the Greens Committee and members visualize what's ahead, and to guide the shapers.  Construction is slated to be finished by the end of June, allowing for a scheduled re-opening of the East Course by November 1st, 2003.  Quality Grassing and Services of Lithia, Florida will be performing all construction work.
POLO CLUB MEMBERS VERY PLEASED WITH THEIR NEW CLUB COURSE:
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
(March 10, 2003)

The Polo Club of Boca Raton's new Club Course was prominently featured in the February issue of the Polo Club's own Traditions Magazine.  Amidst a two-page full color pictorial, Traditions writes:

"The new Club Course officially opened on December 4th to rave reviews.  Not only has the project met our goals and exceeded our expectations, but also it was completed on time and on budget!  The positive response from the membership has been unprecedented!  Homeowners are raving about their spectacular new views, which showcase colorful landscape, soft rolling hills and lush green fairways that are accented by tranquil bodies of water.

"Golfers are equally dazzled by the vistas they encounter throughout the their journey around the course.  Players of all levels are thrilled with the new design as a result of each hole being carefully crafted with its own unique character and challenge.  The forward and middle tee players are having more fun than ever since the once "forced carries" have been replaced by fair landing zones or strategically placed "bailout areas" for those opting the conservative route.  The more advanced tees continually challenge the player's mental and physical skills.  They must make a series of good decisions, and then execute the shot.  All players are challenged on their approach shots into the well-guarded green complexes, which allow one to play either a conservative or risky shot.

"Without a doubt, our new championship golf course compliments our world-class Clubhouse, Spa, dining and Tennis facilities.  This project is one more step in our continuing commitment to provide the Polo membership with the ultimate lifestyle."

At Freeland Golf Group, we are naturally thrilled with this article!  There is no greater reward in our business than to see a satisfied client, and golfers of all levels enjoying themselves on something we have created. We wish the Polo Club members many years of enjoyment from their new Club Course!
OLD HICKORY ALMOST FINISHED:
WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA (February 7, 2003)

Construction is almost completed on the final green to be built at Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge, Virginia.  FGG's President Tim Freeland was on site to inspect the final green grades on Hole #4, which will be a picturesque and challenging downhill Par-4, terminating in a bulkheaded green by a small lake.  "This hole will be really spectacular.  The green is turning out to be one of the best on the course.  I really wanted that dramatic pin placement out by the water, and thus decided on creating this distinct shelf.  Golfers will need to be precise when attacking the flag.  But it will also give players a chance to run the ball from the top tier down to the pin." commented Freeland.  The fourth green is the last to be completed on this course.  Old Hickory is slated to be opened in early June of 2003.
LEVERA CONSTRUCITON IN ITS OPENING STAGES:
GRENADA, WEST INDIES
(December 15, 2002)

Grenada's newest golf course, Levera Golf Club, promises to become one of the premier golf courses in the Caribbean, thanks to the unique site characteristics which allowed for a spectacular routing of the golf course.  Golf course architects Tim Freeland and Maximilian Suchy of the Jacksonville, Florida-based architectural and planning firm Freeland Golf Group have created plans for the 18-hole layout that takes full advantage of the site's dramatic elevation changes, naturally occurring ravines which measure as deep as 60 feet in some places, the property's beach front, and the all-around panoramic ocean views. 

The 7,164-yard par-72 golf course has many highlights, including the short par-3 16th hole which is situated directly on the ocean with the sandy beach actually in play, and several holes that feature amazing elevation drops from tee to fairway, including the 700-yard par-5 13th hole with a vertical elevation change of over 250 feet from tee to green while twice crossing an existing ravine which winds its way down from the top of the mountain.  There is also another long par-5, the 7th hole, which drops 150 vertical feet from tee to green.   "Golfers should be able to see the ocean from at least 16 of the 18 holes for a really memorable experience" said Suchy, "the elevation changes on some of the holes are as dramatic as you will find anywhere in the world.  Our plans envision a myriad of exciting downhill shots, and two holes with split-level fairways that give players very interesting shot options."

Owner-builder Doug Maslo of Royal Golf Construction has taken Freeland Golf Group's routing and grading plans as a guideline to put his own construction team on the job.  "Building a golf course on the side of a mountain is a very unique situation.  It's in Doug and his team's hands now to make it all happen in the field" said Freeland, who added "this course has the potential to create some real excitement in the world of golf.  I can't wait to play it."

The project is also pegged to include several hotels, golf villas with great ocean views situated above the course on the mountainside, a club house, and beach villas.
POLO CLUB'S CLUB COURSE RE-OPENED:
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
(December 5, 2002)

The Polo Club of Boca Raton had a grand re-opening of its Club Course, after having undergone a major renovation at the hands of golf course architects Tim Freeland and Maximilian T. H. Suchy.  The 17-year old Polo Club was symptomatic for the problems faced by South Florida golf courses these days: an aging course that has lost much of its definition and visual interest, has contaminated turf, poor drainage and overgrown vegetation, and lacks playability for the higher handicap members.

The newly renovated course presents a radical improvement over what was there before, adding yardage, and more challenging pin position options from the back tees, while providing more fairway width, shot options, bail-out areas and run-up green fronts for the high handicappers and senior players.  All new greens, bunkers and tees give the rejuvenated Club Course a fresh new look and eliminate the drainage and turf growth problems of the past.

“Given the numerous site constraints, it took a real balancing act to get it all under one hat… adding width and playability, while at the same time reducing forced carries over water, increasing overall storm water storage capacity and adding in over 90,000 square feet of new littoral shelf wetlands is really a contradiction of project goals, and proved a challenging puzzle in a constrained golf course envelope that is surrounded by housing” says Freeland.  Suchy added “It has been a fascinating project, and I believe the members will be thrilled with their new course when it reopens early December.  I doubt if they will be able to recognize the place.  We are very pleased with the finished product.  We knew we would make the course much better, but I think we exceeded our own expectations.”

While the new course measures a respectable 6824 yards from the tips, the forward-most set of tees plays a course of just 4735 yards, giving players of all caliber a chance to excel and enjoy their round.  Freeland and Suchy are the design principals of Freeland Golf Group of Jacksonville, Florida, a firm specializing in Golf Course Architecture and Land Planning services, including golf course renovations of all degrees.
GLEN ARBOR RENOVATIONS FINISHED FOR THE YEAR:
BEDFORD HILLS, NEW YORK  (November 25, 2002)

Construction work is complete at GlenArbor Golf Club.  Freeland Golf Group had been appointed to compile detailed design plans for the re-construction of the tee complexes on Hole #1.  "The first hole at GlenArbor is dramatic in itself with its elevation drop from tee to green, but the previous elevation and configuration of the tees was hiding much of that drama.  You could hardly see the landing area from some tee positions.  We came in and did a detailed analysis of the tee elevations and sight lines, and came up with a plan that creates optimal visibility from each tee.  I think the results speak for themselves" said FGG's Vice President Maximilian Suchy, "We also improved safety between Holes #1 and #18 through the addition of mounding, and added a new practice green behind the first back tee.  Members will be able to hone their putting skills right before they embark on their round."  The new club house at GlenArbor is also currently under construction, immediately adjacent to the first tee.  Provisions have also been made for the later addition of another practice green which will double up as croquet grounds as well as a tent pad for special functions.
CONSTRUCTION MOVING ALONG WELL AT OLD HICKORY:
WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA
(November 15, 2002)

Things are really starting to take shape at Old Hickory Golf Club, with fine shaping and irrigation installation complete on 90% of the course, and grassing well under way.  Some of the holes first completed already look like they are ready for play, thanks in part to the revolutionary new hydromulching technique used on this project.  "Hydromulching is even better than sod in most cases as far as stabilizing slopes and preventing annoying wash-outs.  I am very pleased with the progress made on this course, and I think we have a real jewel here." said FGG's President Tim Freeland, A.S.G.C.A.  Only a few spots on the course are yet to be finished, including the fourth and ninth greens.  Quality Grassing is the project contractor, led by project superintendent Kevin Harrigan, who last worked with Tim Freeland on the Musket Ridge Golf Club in Frederick, Maryland.
TOURNAMENT PLAYERS CLUB AT JASNA POLANA WORK IN PROGRESS:
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
(October 15, 2002)

Construction is progressing well on the third green of the Tournament Players' Club at Jasna Polana in Princeton.  Freeland Golf Group is assisting the TPC with design work for the rebuilding of the third green, expanding and reshaping the putting surface to address wear and mowing pattern problems and to create additional pin positions for tournaments play on this Senior PGA Tour-tested facility.  Addition of a new greenside trap will provide even more drama next to the existing waterfall feature.  FGG's President Tim Freeland commented: "The new putting surface will provide a more exciting and fair challenge to all the members as well as add interest for tournament play."