The Landings on Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA has announced major milestones in its two extensive $13 million dollar renovation projects, designed to further enhance the quality of life for residents of the community.

THE FAZIO COURSE PROJECT: Enhancing golf courses for optimum play and member enjoyment has been a focus and a priority since the inception of The Landings Club in 1974. The $7.7 million dollar 2008-2009 total renovation of the Deer Creek Fazio Golf Course (one of 6 private courses in the community) is proceeding on schedule with expected completion in October of this year. Fairways have been completely recontoured to assist in better drainage which will help to keep the course playable and will be regrassed with a newer strain of Bermuda grass that is shade and drought tolerant and will help with water conservation. Cart paths have been replaced with concrete in place of the original asphalt paths; greens have been completely redesigned to USGA specifications.

The re-design also includes the construction of five tee pods on each hole, which will assist in a more equitable yardage distribution. Under this system, the course can be played anywhere from 5,284 yards from the front tees all the way up to 7,236 yards which can be played from the Championship tees. The course will also incorporate Kids course tee markers on each fairway, which will assist younger players to play the course from tees established at achievable yardages for their ability.

Deer Creek Renovation

The practice area is perhaps the most exciting expansion of the project. The larger, more open teeing areas ensure more spaces to hit practice balls. The state of the art, two short game areas, allow for focused practice of all the new shot options found throughout the new Deer Creek design

Bryan Bowers of the Fazio Design Firm was onsite in July to develop the final punch list for the golf course contractor to complete their contractual obligations. The database for the irrigation system was entered into the irrigation computer enabling us to begin controlling the system via the computer. The driving range sprigging was completed in mid July, the grow-in is progressing, and the golf course will be measured by the Georgia State Golf Association’s measuring team in August.

THE FITNESS CENTER PROJECT:

Meanwhile, demolition work is complete and renovation/expansion has begun on a $5.5 million upgrade to the Fitness-Wellness Center. When complete, the center will be 36,000 square feet. The demolition work in the existing building is complete and renovation has begun. Drywall has been installed and finished. The HVAC rough and electrical rough are underway. The plumbing rough is nearly complete. Ceramic tile work in the restroom/locker room areas has begun. The structure for the new indoor swimming pool is complete and roof panels have been installed. The new pool should be completed the week of August 10th. Renovations to the old swimming pool should take approximately three-four weeks, weather permitting. The sound system is working in the new building, and the CCTV system is to be installed in August.

When complete, the new center will allow for two multipurpose rooms for group fitness, basketball, lectures, and personal training. It will include an increase in cardiovascular equipment from 26 to 40 machines, a selectorized weight machine room with two full circuits, and a free weight room including dumbbells, barbells, plate loaded equipment, cables, functional trainers. Other enhancements include a Tour Golf Fitness Training area, a state of the art spinning studio, a Pilates studio for private and group sessions, a private Physical Therapy practice and an additional indoor heated pool. Superior personal training, massage therapy and other services such as chiropractic and nutrition counseling are also in the works. Completion is expected in October, 2009.

In addition to these two impressive Club projects, The Landings Association has a Capital Asset Management Plan that lists hundreds of assets, their expected useful lives, and their expected replacement costs. Each year, the TLA staff reviews every item to determine appropriate action. This year, the TLA has planned to replace the Landings Harbor fishing pier decking and fish cleaning station, renovate the Main Gate, replace the Oakridge, Marshwood and Deer Creek Gate House roofs, and refurbish TLA-owned cart paths, in addition to other projects.

For more information about The Landings, Savannah’s premier residential community, call 912-841-7011 or visit www.TheLandings.com.