(AMELIA ISLAND, Fla.) – Omni Amelia Island Resort – the oceanfront destination nestled on 1,350 acres at the tip of a barrier island off the Northeast Florida coast – announces the groundbreaking for the renovation of its famed Oak Marsh Golf Course.
With a projected reopening date of Oct. 1 later this year, one of the chief goals of the $7.4 million renovation is to protect the architectural feel of Pete Dye’s original 1972 creation. Additional overarching goals are to modernize the layout to meet the requirements of today’s game brought on by technological advancements in equipment, enhance the aesthetic attributes of the 18, and provide a high-quality and consistent playing experience.
“We are beyond excited that one of the great golf course experiences in both Florida and the U.S. is about to become even better,” says Theo Schofield, Managing Director, Omni Amelia Island Resort. “Beau Welling and his team are ideal to ensure that Pete Dye’s marvelous creation will be updated true to his original vision, as our resort guests and members will enjoy playing the acclaimed layout for decades to come.”
Heading the renovation is Beau Welling Design. Welling has become known as one of the most “in-demand” golf-course designers in the game. One of his recent creations, Fields Ranch West at Omni PGA Frisco, opened last May to rave reviews.
“Our team and I are excited to return to Omni Amelia Island following the completion of the Little Sandy short course in 2022, and we are honored to be working on a layout with such a rich history as Oak Marsh,” says Welling. “The Pete Dye design is a perfect example of why he is one of the greats of our profession, and we look forward to revitalizing his work with modern upgrades that will elevate the playing experience for future generations of golfers.”
Left to right: Charlie Gray, Golf Course Superintendent, Omni Amelia Island Resort; Jonathan Bridge, Director of Golf, Omni Amelia Island Resort; Beau Welling, Chief Architect, Beau Welling Design; Theo Schofield, Managing Director, Omni Amelia Island Resort;Robert Stanfield, SVP Operations, Omni Hotels & Resorts
To realize the above objectives, all the greens on Oak Marsh will be rebuilt and regrassed with TifEagle Bermudagrass. The layout’s fairways, tee areas, rough and green collars will be regrassed with TifTuf Bermudagrass. All the bunkers will be renovated, as well as some repositioning of the hazards where needed. New drain pipes, liners and sand will make for more consistent play. The tee areas will all be renovated and repositioned where needed, and all will utilize the “ribbon-tee” concept creating opportunities for nearly unlimited tee placements.
Additional work will be done to expand the native areas to enhance the overall aesthetic quality of the layout. Rounding out the renovation details, the course irrigation system will be improved, and the driving range tees and landing areas will be upgraded with new hitting mats incorporated. The existing cart paths will also be improved as part of the project work.
The new renovation of Oak Marsh will join Little Sandy – the resort’s unique and entertaining 10-hole, par-3 course – and accompanying 18-hole putting course, both also the creation of Beau Welling Design. Open to resort guests and members of The Amelia Island Club, Little Sandy features holes ranging from 30 to 125 yards. Playing through a picturesque lowland oak marsh habitat, the course seeks to provide a traditional, yet fun-focused golf experience for all ages and abilities.
Omni Amelia Island Resort offers oceanfront accommodations with unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class resort pools, championship golf and a full-service spa. With 3.5 miles of pristine beach, Amelia Island’s preserved marshlands and award-winning golf, guests never run out of adventure at this one-of-a-kind destination.
For more information about Omni Amelia Island Resort visit omnihotels.com/ameliaisland. Follow Omni Amelia Island Resort at Facebook.com/OmniAmeliaIsland, Instagram.com/OmniAmeliaIsland.
