Touted as an activity that complements the need for social distancing, golf is growing at a pace not seen since Tiger Woods won his first Masters in 1997. In 2020 24.8 million people played golf, according to the National Golf Foundation, and that momentum spilled over into the months that followed. With the number of golfers increasing, there has been a heightened focus from clubs on creating better experiences for their members and guests. An example of this can be found at one of the most storied clubs in New England.
Members at The International Golf Club in suburban Boston were promised a reimagined experience from Escalante Golf when the Texas-based boutique owner and operator of unique golf assets purchased the club earlier this year. So far, Escalante Golf has delivered on that promise, revamping many aspects of The International, including one of its two golf courses, The Oaks Course, which is now open to members and their guests.
Originally designed and built by Tom Fazio in 2000, the Oaks Course features distinctive waste areas that make it one of the most recognizable layouts in the region. Renowned architect Tripp Davis and his team began work this summer to restore the Oaks to its original glory. In addition to being lengthened, changes made by Davis and his team included laser-leveling and re-grassing each tee box on the course. So as players make their way off the tee, they will be welcomed by renovated bunkers featuring Davis’ signature dripping lines.
“The International team’s golf-first approach freed us up to implement the signature aspects our group has developed over the years,” says Tripp Davis, Principal at Tripp Davis and Associates. “Our foremost goal was to modernize the golf course. The concepts that started out on a piece of paper have come to life and are ready for members and their guests to enjoy.”
Combined with the natural topography of the course, these changes have resulted in stunning visuals and a challenge that will force players to think strategically on every shot. And, with some time for improved irrigation and drainage to take effect, the Oaks will soon be playing the way it was intended – firm and fast.
“Golf in its purest form has been the guiding light for the renovations to the Oaks Course,” says David McDonald, President of Escalante Golf. “In working with Tripp and his team, we are proud to deliver a first-class experience on the Oaks Course that will be felt from the opening tee shot to the final putt.”
Not far away from The International, the 6-time Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, and 17-time NBA Champion Celtics compete at the hallowed TD Garden. Iconic Fenway Park brims with history as the Green Monster watches over the Red Sox each year. And, of course, no organization has enjoyed more success over the past two decades than the New England Patriots, winners of six Super Bowls. Safe to say that Boston has a rich history of sporting excellence to enjoy.
The International has its own rich history dating back 120 years and, like the great championship teams that it neighbors, honors that history while setting the standard for years to come.