Renovation To Closing Hole Among Major Changes At Council Fire

Regarded as one of the top courses in Tennessee – even though the final nine holes are routed just across the state line in Georgia – Council Fire Golf Club has seen plenty of improvements over the past several years.

The renovation and expansion of the clubhouse to incorporate a large outdoor covered patio, installation of a new irrigation system, and the addition of large swaths of native grasses throughout the layout are a few of the recent upgrades that have added to the appeal of the course that first opened in 1992.

But this year will bring about the most notable enhancement with the renovation of the 18^th hole, the finished product promising to provide a dramatic finish to Council Fire’s already challenging layout.

Noted golf course architect Mike Riley, who was part of original designer Bob Cupp’s team for Council Fire as well as spending several years with Jack Nicklaus’ design company, has been chosen to oversee the project. Riley formed his own firm in 1992, and his designs such as the Reunion Golf Club and the renovation of Atlanta Country Club have received high accolades. His recent projects include enhancements at Rivermont Golf Club in Johns Creek, Ga. and a significant renovation at Macon’s historic Idle Hour Club.

The current 18th hole is a relatively straight par 5 stretching to 522 yards from the tips that is bordered on the left side by a hazard full of thick native grasses and by mature oaks along the right. Second shots from the right have to be shaped around the overhanging limbs to a slightly elevated green that has four distinct quadrants.

The new 18^th hole will remain a par 5, but will have a dynamic design that incorporates Chickamauga Creek that makes its presence known on the previous two holes. The revised layout will shift the drive to the left to border the creek, then dogleg to the right with a large pond creating a forced carry or played as a three-shotter for safety.

Riley’s description of how he envisions the closing gem: “The elevated tees will offer a panoramic view of the hole as it drops into a fairway that hugs Chickamauga Creek on the left and bends around a pond short of the elevated green. A center bunker in the landing area will force a decision with the tee shot to play short, right, or left. Short is the safe shot but makes the layup longer. Playing to the wide sloping right side leaves a ball above the feet for a second shot over bunkers screening the view. The risky shot to the left must carry an elongated bunker to gain the best angle and shorter second shot, whether going for the green or laying up. Going for the green in two or laying up must negotiate the pond between the landing area and green. Bunkers on the left past the layup area help turn the fairway and bunkers short stair step up to the green from the pond. A saving bunker along the left of the green keeps errant shots from bounding down the slope as well as depressed areas right of the green. The curve of the fairway coupled with tall grasses around the hole and bunkers, as well as the long views, will make this one of the most memorable finishes in Tennessee."

Council Fire General Manager Chris DeBusk looks forward to work beginning in June with the goal to have the hole ready for play sometime in September.

“I could not be more excited for the Council Fire Club members,” DeBusk said. “The new 18th hole will truly be a finishing hole worthy of their championship course. The club is proud to have Mike Riley taking the lead and lending his vision. Starting at the teeing ground and ending at the putting surface, number 18 will utilize the topography changes and natural water features, with enhanced eye-catching bunkering surrounded by natural fescue areas. The new 18th hole will play more challenging but will also become a visually stunning finishing hole and the risk reward aspect of the hole will certainly make or break rounds.”

Riley expects the new design to play around 540 yards from the back tees. He is excited to return to Council Fire after being a part of its initial plans.

“You know, you're a lot older, you're hopefully wiser and better at your craft,” Riley said. “We have the opportunity to look at it with a different set of eyes and a lot more experience to make it a dramatic finishing hole. Your creative juices start flowing, and you start thinking of ways to make it aesthetically a golf hole that people just look at and say, ‘Wow, what a great finishing hole!’”

In conjunction with the redesign, a collection of ten luxury residences deemed the Council Fire Clubhouse Townhomes will be constructed along the right side of the current 18^th fairway along the edge of the clubhouse parking lot that will overlook the future pond.

Council Fire also recently announced that JD Coccia has been selected as the club’s new PGA Head Professional, replacing Brandon Arnold, who is now at McLemore’s Highland Course. He will be joining the club in late April.

Coccia currently is the PGA Head Professional at Moss Creek Country Club in Hilton Head Island, S.C. where he has been since 2019. He is an accomplished teacher and is Flight Scope Certified. In addition, he is also an accomplished player participating in the Carolinas PGA Section and his Lowcountry Chapter events. He has worked at clubs along the east coast including Toftrees Golf Club, Doral Resort and Out Door Country Club in York, Pennsylvania.

Coccia was awarded the 2024 Carolinas PGA, Lowcountry Chapter – Professional of the Year.

Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com