LIMERICK, PA. – Feb. 17, 2005 – In an era when it seems as if no construction -- of any kind -- ever gets finished on time, it was announced today that construction of the new Raven’s Claw GC in Limerick, Pa. has been completed ahead of schedule.
Raven’s Claw, designed by Plymouth Meeting-based architect Ed Shearon, is a unique blend of an upscale daily access course that will carry a mid-range price tag. It is scheduled to open in late spring of 2005.
With winter’s frozen conditions threatening to close down all construction, Shearon and his crews completed all phases of construction on the golf course in record time. The first bit of construction didn’t begin until March of 2004, but all 18 holes were shaped and built by mid-January of 2005. A total of 16 of the 18 holes were grassed, in the fall, leaving only two holes to be sodded in the spring.
“Completing courses on time and under budget is a major goal of our company,” stressed Shearon, “We were able to accomplish that at both RiverWinds and The Vineyard and we certainly on track to do the same at Raven’s Claw.”
RiverWinds, in West Deptford, N.J., was Shearon’s first full design (2003) and it received a nomination for Best New Public Course by Golf Digest. The Vineyard at Renault Winery opened last fall and is located outside Atlantic City. It was named one of the 30 best new courses in the world in 2004 and the Top 10 new Public Courses in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine. The Vineyard also has been nominated for Golf Digest’s Best New Public Course honor.
The key to Shearon’s success at Raven’s Claw was entering into a unique partnership with the two home-builders on site, Dewey and Orleans. By creating a synergistic relationship, Shearon was able to keep construction costs down. One example was using fill material from the excavation of house basements to create features on the course. Another example was using pulverized rock that had to be removed from the housing sites for the cart paths on the course.
“Housing developments are driving golf course construction now and in the future,” explained Shearon. “There is no way to avoid it. The key is to make sure the housing is tasteful and not intrusive on the golf course. Also, partnering successfully with the builder is a blueprint for the future of golf. It ensures fiscal responsibility, which will allow us to continue to grow the game of golf.”
Contact:
Tony Leodora
610-279-9220
tlgolfservices@aol.com
