Ohio Golf Journal October 2017

is another iconic Ross design created a couple years prior to Inverness. Plus, he wowed the Inverness committee in his initial interview. He had done his homework, by visiting the USGA Museum and finding original photographs of the course that accurately reflected Ross’ original design. Photos that no one in Toledo had seen or were aware existed. He fully understood what the committee was seeking and had sketches of designs prepared to answer their questions. In that very first meeting, he impressed Inverness with his knowledge of Ross, as well as, the course and what it would take to bring Inverness into the 21 st Century. The decision was made only last fall to hire Green and what has been accomplished in one short year is amazing. One of Green’s more interesting ideas that garnered Inverness’ attention was the recreation of four green complexes that had been lost over the years, but were present in the original Ross routing. These new holes also solved a problem of rerouting three of the par-3 holes to help with playability. One of the complaints about Inverness was that all four of the par-3 holes went the same direction from tee to green. Today designers diversify the par-3 holes by varying the distance, and direction the par-3 holes lie on a course. The intent is to provide options for the golfer, with varying wind directions and required carries into the green. Green has accomplished that with new tees on existing holes as well as by creating entirely new holes, but still retaining the look and feel of a Ross design. Another issue was renovation of old bunkers and creation of new ones to catch errant drives and make today’s bombers rethink their options on the tee. Should they swing for the fence and risk a difficult bunker shot or lay up to a safer distance in the fairway? Even though Inverness can now be stretched to 7,700 yards, several holes needed additional bunkering to make it a challenge. Another problem that needed attention was the smallish size of the greens. Part of Green’s plan included expansion of certain greens to create additional hole locations, which again add playability options for the world’s best players over a four-day tournament. Plus, the additional hole locations force the membership to face new challenges on approach shots. As you can imagine with a course that originally opened for play in 1903, drainage was an issue on several holes. Old broken tile lines had to be dug up and replaced. With the “Master Plan” in place and a designer hired, the next question was what portion of the plan, and how soon these changes, would be undertaken. Plus, the Inverness Club’s membership had to buy in to the proposal, as well as, the cost. They were kept abreast of the “Master Plan” at each step and have fully embraced the entire project. With the 2019 U.S. Junior Amateur and the2021Solheim Cup coming to Inverness, one of the major issues was timing. Changes would need to be done now or wait until 2022. The decision was made to get on with it. Green began work imme- diately. The new tees have been completed and the grass is growing. The new holes have been created and are nearing completion. Green expansion and bunkering work is continuing and should be completed yet this fall. Inverness Club has a proud history and would like to add more historical moments by hosting major championships. The work that the club and Andrew Green have undertaken will help the course meet USGA and PGA requirements to be awarded another major championship. This is a huge undertaking for Inverness and the membership should be commended for accepting the challenge. Don’t be surprised if we hear an announcement of a major returning to Toledo in the not too distant future. To listen to an interview with Andrew Green and Derek Brody, click here. Ohio Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal