The Senator course at RTJ Capitol Hill was closed on May 31 to get ready to convert the bent grass greens to Champion Bermuda Grass on June 20-21. The three weeks between closing and planting greens allowed the staff at RTJ Capitol Hill to redesign the 5th hole.

The 5th hole was the only construction and redesign work that was completed. The 5th green was notorious for its elevation and its lack of depth. Because it sat 25-30 feet above the fairway and was shallow in depth, it was a very difficult approach shot for golfers of all skill levels. The staff redesigned the hole from 75 yards and in toward the green. Everything was bulldozed, then reshaped and contoured. A new green complex was built with one pot bunker on the left side of the green and all new drainage was installed. The renovation work is quite dramatic with the green being level with the fairway and will result in more birdies and perhaps some eagles during tournament play. It will be much more exciting to watch and much more fun to play!

With the redesign work complete by June 20, RTJ Capitol Hill was able to sprig the new 5th green at the same time as the other 17 greens. Once the 5th green was sprigged, the staff then sodded all of the other grass out to the disruption point. The greens are at 45 days and are in great shape. RTJ Capitol Hill couldn’t be happier with the Champion product and is looking forward to opening on September 12 for the Navistar LPGA Classic.