The Sechrest 18, a centerpiece of Mozingo Lake Recreation Park’s golf facilities, is set for major renovations this fall.
The 18-hole course, designed by renowned Midwest golf architect Donald Sechrest and completed in 1995, will soon see upgrades to its iconic but high-maintenance bunkers, according to Mozingo Director Jordan Greenhaw.
“Back in the 1980s and ’90s when it was designed, those huge bunkers were a great visual for golf courses, but they didn’t really work with the efficiency and play of golf,” Greenhaw told the Maryville City Council. “And over the years, people have realized it also takes a lot of work to maintain them.”
Bunkers—sand traps or pits meant to challenge players—have long posed issues for Mozingo’s maintenance staff. Even small amounts of rain require staff to pump out standing water, often delaying play.
To address the issue, the city has commissioned a redesign of the course’s bunker system. The project will reshape and reduce the bunkers by nearly half, install new drainage tiles and catchments, and apply “Better Billy Bunker Liners” with new sand.
The renovation is expected to cost about $350,000, with materials purchased separately. Construction is scheduled from Oct. 20 to Dec. 20, weather permitting.
