When Hurricane Helene swept through in late September 2024, we faced a challenge at Champion Hills no playbook could have prepared us for. Torrential rains and fierce winds damaged Tom Fazio’s acclaimed “Mountain Masterpiece,” leaving the course and our community with a long road to recovery.
The first priority was ensuring the safety of our members, staff, and the surrounding neighborhood; with that accomplished, the focus shifted to restoring one of America’s Top 100 residential courses. Guided by a resilient board and membership, general manager Alan Deck and course superintendent Alan Burnette led the charge to bring Champion Hills back, stronger than ever.
As the club heads into its spring season, remarkable progress has been made. While the front nine reopened in early October, more work was required on the home nine, but 17 holes have reopened. The finishing touch – the 18th hole – remains under careful reconstruction, with a projected May reopening.
“Considering the sheer destruction (across the region) and overwhelming demand for golf course crews and engineers, we’ve actually been very fortunate,” said Alan Deck, General Manager of Champion Hills. “Securing Aspen Construction, fresh off a project at Augusta National, was a huge win for us.”
The storm caused washouts, landslides, and erosion, particularly along the course’s natural creeks. Holes 11, 15, 16, and 18 bore the brunt of the damage. Collaborating with the Fazio Design team, Aspen Construction spearheaded the creek bank restoration efforts, leveled tees, and completed extensive bunker work.
“The restoration has been phenomenal,” Deck said. “With Fazio’s input, we made thoughtful changes, like removing a bunker on 16 to enhance playability and installing capillary concrete for durability. We also used an advanced erosion control method called SOX to stabilize creek banks on 11, 15, and 16.”
The dedication of the Champion Hills team was evident given the personal hardships members of the team faced. A fallen tree damaged Burnette’s home, yet he remained committed to leading the club’s recovery. Other staff members endured similar challenges but stayed resolute.
“The teamwork has been extraordinary,” Deck said. “Alan Burnette, head golf professional Eric Fowler, and membership director Heather Myers all went above and beyond. Eric created innovative ways to keep our members engaged with limited holes available. Everyone stepped up when it mattered most.”
That spirit of resilience extended to Champion Hills’ membership. Understanding the importance of supporting their community, members not only remained patient but also raised six figures in financial assistance for employees impacted by the storm.
“The generosity and support of our members have been overwhelming,” Deck said. “They understood that doing things right was more important than rushing the process.”
As Champion Hills prepares to fully reopen, the course stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. The lessons learned and bonds forged during this experience will endure, ensuring that no storm – no matter how powerful – can shake the foundation of this top 100 private community.
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