McBroom Design
About Tom McBroom
The Tom McBroom signature is synonymous with premier golf courses across Canada and around the world. In the past 20 years, McBroom has created a stunning collection of modern classics distinguished by their detail and craftsmanship, strategic intrigue and great beauty.
Every Tom McBroom design captures the unique character of the landscape so that each course possesses its own distinct personality, charm and playing experience. Whether he's crafting a new course or restoring a weary masterpiece, Tom McBroom's passion to create courses that stir the golfer's soul is demonstrated proudly in every design that bears his signature. For more on Tom McBroom, visit www.thomasmcbroom.com.
The Golf Course Renovation — A Decision by the Members for the Members
On June 28, 2004 the members of Whitevale Golf Club approved a $3 million renovation to the golf course. Thomas McBroom Associates Limited were contracted to perform an extensive redesign, including a total bunker and tee renovation, a realignment of several holes, and alterations to improve playability. Work on the front nine began in September 2004 and work on the back nine began in September 2005, with the entire project completed by June 2006.
The project has included the following renovations:
- All bunkers were rebuilt from the ground up, and a number of bunkers were added or relocated. The new bunkers have a consistent visual style that is in keeping with Whitevale's character. The new design ensures that rainwater will be channelled away from the bunkers after a storm. Bunker sand has been replaced with Ohio 535.
- A 5-tee system was created. In some cases new tees were placed on existing tee decks, and in others, new decks were created. Smaller tee decks were enlarged, especially on par 3 holes. A number of tee decks were relocated to add more length to the golf course, and some were raised to bring more of the respective hole into view.
- Adjustments were made to the landing areas and alignment of a number of holes to improve playability and to reduce the chance of stray golf shots reaching adjacent fairways.
- The ponds on the 4th and the 17th holes were expanded and relocated to have more influence on play.
- The 4th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 17th greens were redesigned and rebuilt, and the 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 18th were expanded.
- A 3-acre water reservoir was created immediately north of the golf course access road. This reservoir now serves as the source for all watering of the course and is fed from water runoff, from a new well, and from Duffin's Creek when conditions permit.
- Significant changes were made to the drainage on a number of holes. This has already shown significant benefits in handling the water runoff from summer storms.
- A two-line irrigation system was installed throughout the course to perform all irrigation of the fairways, greens, tees and rough.
For information on the architect involved in the original design of Whitevale Golf Club in 1957, please visit: www.billdiddel.com
To see pictures of the finished product, visit our Photo Gallery.