The Fazio Course

When Tom Fazio sets out to design a course, he relies on his past works as guidance. Fazio has developed a stellar portfolio of more than 120 championship designs and has more “Top 100” courses than any other single designer. One of his finest works can be found at Barefoot Resort. The par-71, 6,834-yard Fazio Course is a shining example of what has made Tom Fazio’s name a legend amongst golfers.

The Fazio Course traverses the natural sand dunes and Lowcountry forest which surrounds Barefoot Resort. Tee off to fairways of GN-1, a hybrid turf, which evolves into Tif-sport Bermuda grass on the approaches and our newly installed Champion Ultra Dwaft greens. Your round really gets going as you head into the fifth hole. Playing a stout 499 yards from the platinum tees, this par-4 is all you can handle. Tee shots must find the fairway to provide any chance of hitting this green in regulation. An uphill second shot awaits, and stealing a par here will no doubt be a good omen for your round.

The imagination of Tom Fazio takes center stage as you arrive to lucky number 13. A mid-size, par-4 measuring 361 yards from the black tees, this hole is often the source of tales of both glory and despair. The focal point of 13 is no doubt the green complexes. A well-positioned tee ball must be employed in order to properly attack the appropriate putting surface. On the left, your flag will be defended on all sides by sand, water and trees. Options for a right-hand flag are more promising, but beware of the severe sloping on each side of the green.

As with many of his “Top 100” designs, Fazio is fond of brawny par-4s to serve as closing holes. True to form, his 18th at Barefoot does not disappoint. A grand 471 yards stand between you and a closing par, but be wary of the hazards in between. To your left lies the stately clubhouse, bordered by a scenic duck pond, and natural pines and oaks to your right. A solid tee shot will leave players with a mid- to long-iron to an undulating putting surface.

From start to finish, the Fazio Course at Barefoot is much more than a signature design. Tom Fazio’s heart and soul is stamped all over this award-winning layout.

Tom Fazio was born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pa. where his uncle George Fazio ran a golf design firm. Fazio began his career at the family firm, but soon set out on his own. Since then, he has compiled one of the greatest golf course design portfolios of anyone in the history of the game.

A few of his most notable projects include: Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, Jupiter Hills in Florida, Barton Creek in Texas and recent renovations to the famed Augusta National. The mere fact that he was asked to perform work on the course that hosts the Masters Tournament is credibility few can claim. Until recently, Fazio was a purely domestic designer, creating courses in the United States only, but since his children are now adults, he has emerged on the international golf scene. With designs in both Europe and Japan, Fazio is beginning to spread his trademark designs around the globe.

Similar to his laid-back personality, Fazio does little promotion of himself or his work. The designer has no Web site, employs no marketing for his design firm and has an unlisted phone number in the mountains of western North Carolina. Fazio’s son, Tommy, now has his own design company and is known for his unique work.