South Course Restoration—Preserving Our Legacy, Elevating Our Play 

“Every generation must tend the fields it hopes to play upon.” — Agrarian Proverb 

At Forest Creek, excellence is never by accident. Every enhancement is made with care to preserve our legacy and elevate the player experience. This winter, that commitment continues with the restoration of the South Course greens and greenside bunkers. 

This is more than routine upkeep. It’s a rare chance to combine the vision of master designer Tom Fazio with today’s most advanced agronomic science, keeping the South Course true to its roots while elevating the playing experience for years to come. 

Why This Matters 

Our commitment to lasting quality means adapting when conditions change. The South Course currently features bentgrass greens, but as Pinehurst’s climate has become warmer and more humid, bentgrass is no longer the most reliable choice for peak performance. 

With guidance from Tom Fazio and his team, we’ll transition to TifEagle Bermuda grass—a turf proven to thrive in our environment. This grass maintains smoother, faster, and more consistent playing surfaces throughout long Southern summers while requiring fewer resources to stay healthy. Our own Hog Hole (our signature Par 3 practice hole) has flourished since converting to Bermuda, offering confidence that this choice will deliver a superior, more sustainable golf experience on the South Course for decades to come. 

A World-Class Team 

Bringing this vision to life requires more than great plans—it calls for the insight of those who know the South Course best. 

We’re proud to have Tom Fazio, of Fazio Design, returning to refine his original masterpiece. Joining him are experts from Agronomic Advisors, a consulting group co-founded by acclaimed superintendent Dave Delsandro, known for preparing Oakmont Country Club for multiple U.S. Opens and widely respected for his leadership in modern turf health and course performance.  

What the Restoration Will Bring 

So, what’s ahead for the South Course? The greens and bunkers will be restored to their authentic size and shape, bringing back thoughtful shot variety and truer putting surfaces. Sunlight, drainage, and airflow will be optimized to create resilient, sustainable turf and world-class playing conditions season after season. Every decision honors the natural beauty and challenge that define Forest Creek while introducing innovations to keep the course at its best. 

Project Timeline 

The restoration will progress in thoughtful phases to minimize disruption and maximize long-term benefit: 

• Winter 2025 — Targeted tree removal to improve light and airflow—critical for turf health 

• Spring — Reconstruction of greens and bunkers with upgraded drainage and restored contours 

• Summer 2026 — Sprigging of greens with TifEagle Bermuda grass, creating smooth, consistent putting surfaces and exceptional year-round performance 

• Fall 2026 — Reopening of the South Course 
   

As this transformation unfolds, members will continue to enjoy outstanding play on the North Course, as well as access to the practice range. 

Staying Connected 

We’ll celebrate milestones and share behind-the-scenes updates, photos, and videos on the Forest Creek website and social media channels so you can watch the South Course come back to life. 

Looking Ahead 

By investing now, we’re not only preserving a legacy—we’re shaping the future of Forest Creek. Stay connected for progress updates, milestones, and glimpses of the work as it unfolds. Interested in learning more about membership or real estate opportunities in Forest Creek? Visit forestcreekgolfclub.com or contact our team to explore how you can be part of our community. 

To see how this restoration plan began taking shape, click the link below to watch a December 2024 discussion between Bob McCann and course designer Tom Fazio, recorded at Fazio’s office in Jupiter, Florida. 
 
South Course Convo with Bob McCann and Tom Fazio, 2024