The International in Bolton, Massachusetts has undergone a significant transformation thanks to the renowned team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The Pines Course, known for its length and difficulty, has been reimagined to provide a much-improved golf experience for players. Originally designed in 1955 by Geoffrey Cornish and Francis Ouimet, the course was known for its extreme length of 8,040 yards. Over the years, it was further stretched to 8,325 yards by Robert Trent Jones Jr. However, Coore and Crenshaw have decided to focus on playability and strategy in their total renovation of the course.
The renovation, which began in 2022, has seen the removal of approximately 1,200 yards from the course, bringing it down to a more reasonable 7,103 yards. Not a single playing corridor or green site remains from the old layout, as Coore and Crenshaw have completely reimagined the course to take advantage of the topography and vegetation. The emphasis now lies on natural and strategic golf holes, rather than sheer length and difficulty. The Pines is set to reopen this fall to limited member play, offering a whole new golfing experience.
In addition to the changes in layout, the Pines will now feature fescue turf tees, fairways, and rough. This not only enhances the aesthetics of the course but also provides a firm and bouncy playing surface, highlighting the strategic opportunities intended by the design team. With the inclusion of sandy waste areas carved through the pine trees, golfers can expect an entirely new experience compared to the old layout. The team at Coore and Crenshaw, along with shapers Ryan Farrow and Zach Varty, have worked diligently to create a course that preserves the club’s history while offering a modern golf-first experience.
The Pines Course is part of The International, which also includes the Tom Fazio-designed Oaks course. The club, which was purchased out of bankruptcy in 2021 by Escalante Golf, has invested heavily in renovating both courses to provide an exceptional golfing experience. The focus on preserving and honoring the club’s 120-year history, while embracing new design principles, sets The International apart as a premier golf destination in New England. With a combination of classic design elements and modern enhancements, the Pines Course is poised to become one of the best new golf courses in the country.
