The Choctaw 9 Rejuvenation
The rejuvenation of the Choctaw 9 Golf Course, though not a project requiring a Property Owner vote, has been an important part of the Renew Big Canoe set of initiatives. This work has strengthened one of our community’s signature amenities.
Below are flyover videos of the final product, with commentary from our Golf Course Architect Bill Bergin, highlighting the upgrades in both golf course infrastructure as well as overall playability. These improvements ensure that Choctaw 9 continues to deliver a first-class experience for our players and their guests, while adding long-term value to the Big Canoe community.
Choctaw Course Flyovers and Descriptions
Choctaw #1 - Par 4
Playing downhill from the clubhouse area to a wide landing zone, the opening shot on Choctaw is the most inviting of all the starting holes at Big Canoe. Drainage basins will be shaped throughout the low section of the fairway to provide firm playing conditions as well as excellent turf. Two additional forward tees will make it easier for some golfers to reach this green in regulation or at least play across the creek on their second shot. Natural grasses will be added to nicely frame the teeing grounds.
Two front bunkers currently obscure the majority of the putting surface, blocking access to any type of run up approach. They will be eliminated in order to create an inviting fairway area short of the green. The back bunker will also be removed to make room for a shift and extension of the putting surface. New bunkers will be added to both sides of the green, featuring a long containment bunker on the right, and a smaller balancing bunker on the left.
Choctaw #2 - Par 3
There is a well-disguised natural feature on the second hole that, once exposed, will change everything about the appearance of this par three. The creek is a fabulous amenity, but it is hidden from view. Selective clearing and under brushing will reveal this beauty and effectively widen the feel on this par three.
The putting surface will be lifted and expanded slightly, allowing it to become the focal point rather than the raised back bunker or the hump behind the green. The bunkering will fit better
into the ground, with the front bunker shifting slightly right to increase the amount of fairway access to the green. The back bunker rotates and will be well supported as it frames the left side of the green. The cleared out right side not only exposes the creek, but it also greatly enhances the spacious feeling around this outstanding par three.
Choctaw #3 - Par 4
As is commonly the case due to natural elevation changes of the mountain terrain, there are not an abundance of inviting driving holes at Big Canoe, but the third can be one of them. The existing bunkers protrude into the fairway and simply limit the length a tee ball can be driven. This is especially unfair for the forward tee players. The bunkers will be consolidated as one and shifted to widen the fairway. Drainage will be added, but, more importantly, the flat landing area will be shaped and contoured to move water to the basin areas. New tees will be added to both lengthen the hole from the back and shorten it from the front.
The putting surface will rotate slightly from right to left, making room for a small bunker on the left side. This new bunker will help keep slightly pulled approach shots out of the creek.
Drainage near the green will be adjusted and augmented to ensure firm chipping conditions in the obvious bail out area on the right. While the right side will appear to be a safe choice, the putting surface.
Choctaw #4 - Par 4
Following the welcoming drive on the previous hole the course puts forth one of the most intimidating tee shots on the property. The actual landing area is of ample width, but due to overgrown vegetation there was an unknown aspect down the right side. Under brushing and limbing will not only make the drive a bit more comfortable but it will also expose the natural beauty of the meandering creek.
Drainage will be added throughout the fairway to improve turf conditions for more roll. As it was, players had to carry 3 front bunkers and contend with a shallow green on the approach. The small gaps between the bunkers did not offer a fair chance at run up and there was no reasonable bailout area. The greens complex has become significantly more manageable as the left bunker has been removed and the remaining bunkers are shaped closer together on the right.
Choctaw #5 - Par 5
Climbing almost 120 feet up a tilted plane from the teeing ground to the green, the uphill 5th plays much longer than its posted yardage. The back tee will be split and extended while two new forward tees will be added to create a better distance fit for more golfers. The sheer magnitude of the climb is enough of a task however excessive bunkering and poor drainage in the fairway added to the difficulty.
The first bunker on the left will be reconfigured to widen the landing zone. The next bunker on the right is strategically irrelevant and will be removed. Good drainage between bunkers is essential and will be improved with enhanced swales and basins. Standing on a 9-10% grade and looking up a hill to the second landing area, the massive bunker on the right is imposing. Its positioning dictates play to the left, but the aggressive player can choose to play over the bunker and should be rewarded with an open pitch. Cautious play to the left side will deal with the new bunker added just off the front left collar fairway. Drainage enhancements should insure excellent playing conditions.
Choctaw #6 - Par 4
The golf course continues to climb with the 6th hole. Creating a little more room to play is the goal. The landing area was pinched by the far reaching bunker on the left and the cart path on the right. The cart path will slide to the right along the tree line, making room for a soft swale along the right rough line to handle water runoff. The extending lobe of the left fairway bunker will be filled in and the bunker reshaped to highlight the edge of the fairway. The bunker will angle from right to left and slightly pull drives may have to carry more of the bunker depending on the line from the tee. A target bunker, cut into the hillside on the right, will add definition on the drive identifying the optimal line of play from the tee.
The putting surface will expand slightly, and the left bunker will be shaped to increase the amount of fairway access onto the green. The cart path on the right will slide part way down the slope to make walking to the green complex more accessible. The fairway will wrap around the right side, creating a gentle chipping area. Drainage will be added to the right side and front of the green to keep the approach firm and dry.
Choctaw #7 - Par 4
After two uphill holes, the 7th offers a welcome view down the fairway all the way to the green complex. The two small back tees will be combined as one since they are utilized by the same golfer. Some selective clearing is necessary to increase sunlight in this teeing area. A new forward tee will be added to help shorter hitters get closer to the green complex in two shots. Added native area throughout the teeing area will decrease maintenance and add texture around the tees.
With its descending view, the green complex on the 7th hole could easily be one of the most picturesque on the golf course.
A pair of bunkers will be cut into the ground on the right side as
the putting surface rises slightly. The new green will extend into the existing back bunker and a framing bunker will be shaped off the back left collar to keep pulled balls in play. The chipping area left of the green will be reshaped with long, smooth lines and will be well drained.
Choctaw #8 - Par 5
From the tee, the elevated fairway bunker looked artificial, and, like the third hole, it restricted what otherwise should be an aggressive driving hole. The bunker will slide left and be supported on the cart path side, allowing the fairway to expand. Added drainage will be installed throughout the landing zone so players will get the most out of a solid tee ball. The bunkering on this hole will continue to be adjusted, reducing the total number and square footage while increasing the visibility and effectiveness of those that remain. The trio on the right will be combined as one with a strong right side ridge line added for support.
The putting surface will angle slightly to the left and selective clearing behind the green will open up an inspiring view of Lake Sconti. The bunker right of the green will be eliminated, replaced with a low lying chipping area. The swale crossing in front of the green will be enhanced and drain to a basin on the left. The left bunker slides back and, with low level chipping areas on each side of the green, the putting surface will appear to be elevated. We have also added a cart path turnaround much nearer to the green which will improve pace of play.
Choctaw #9 - Par 3
Already beautiful, the final hole on Choctaw will be highly anticipated during the round, and will contend for most improved on the golf course. The cart path will be eliminated between the tees, allowing for more tee space, and will reroute along the left side of the hole, traversing over the stream before ascending up the left side of the green complex. This will provide a much more pleasant ride for players who will now be able to enjoy views up the creek to the waterfall. The new path location also services a beautiful new forward tee and makes the area around the green complex more accessible. Both sides of the hole will be cleared or underbrushed to widen the playable area and to expose all of the features this par three has to offer.
With the current green complex, if a ball misses the putting surface, players mostly find themselves in a difficult or unplayable situation. In order to add beauty and diversity to this complex, several adjustments will be made. The front left bunker will be reduced and shifted into the pocket just short of the center of the green. In this position, it actually will keep balls from falling down the steep slope and out of play. The land allows for a much larger approach to be shaped short and left of the green, providing a hopeful landing zone for those not quite able to reach the green with their first shot. Two back bunkers will be shaped to frame the green and to partially hide the cart path. Increased fairway around the green will allow for some fun recovery shots from a variety of elevations.
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