BOLTON, Mass. — History has been given a fresh new look at The International.
It will be on display when the 121-year-old club opens its doors to the golf world Labor Day weekend. The International is prepped and ready to host an event on the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The International was owned by the Weadock family before it fell into bankruptcy in 2020 after struggling during the pandemic and leaving members and customers frustrated with lost deposits for club fees and banquet reservations. Escalante Golf purchased the property out of bankruptcy in late 2020 for $10 million, and general manager Steve Brennan and his staff have been focused on bringing The International back to life with vigor.
“We feel really good about it, and we’re really excited to show it off,” Brennan said. “Getting it to the point that it is now in 18 short months has been a lot of fun to do. It’s been fun putting a team together, building the membership and getting into the project of bringing these golf courses back to where they once were and beyond.”
Brennan described working with Escalante Golf, along with the town of Bolton, as a dream come true, especially with the LIV event set for this weekend. When golf fans and players arrive at The International, the improvements and upgrades will be evident.
The plan to reinvigorate the golf courses and all the facilities began last April, and it’s ready to be put on display. The Oaks course renovation started with stripping every tee box and then laser-leveling and reseeding. The project took six months to complete, and now it’s time to show it off.
“The first impression will be how perfect these tees are,” Brennan said. “Every tee is aligned with the center of the fairway. It’s a pleasure to hit off them.”
Fairways firmed up
Speaking of the fairways, they’ve been firmed up with clean lines and a really fine playing surface. Every bunker has been completely renovated, including the drainage. Limestone sand was installed, and while players will attempt to avoid the hazards, Brennan is pleased with the redesign.
“They’re stunning to look at and very aesthetically pleasing,” Brennan said. “They’re even better to play on.”
Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith is expected to lead the field of golfers who will play The International for the first time. It will feel like they’re playing in the middle of a forest, which is one of its signature features.
“The golf…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golfweek…