Construction is progressing rapidly on the redesigned golf course at The River Club in Boise, where architect Brian Curley is leading an extensive transformation of the club’s historic layout along the Boise River.
Work is currently underway across all 18 holes as the design team reshapes the course to better highlight the surrounding landscape and strengthen its connection to the riverfront setting.
One of the most significant changes involves altering the routing of the course by effectively swapping the original front and back nines. The former back nine, which runs through residential areas and required fewer structural changes, is largely complete. Crews are now installing irrigation systems and constructing bunkers in those areas.
Meanwhile, the future back nine is undergoing the most dramatic transformation as designers reshape holes within wider parkland-style corridors bordered by large specimen trees.
Some of the most notable improvements are being made along the Boise River frontage, particularly on the new 13th and 18th holes.
Historically, this portion of the property had little interaction with the river. The land sat well below a protective dike and was heavily covered with dense vegetation.
After years of securing environmental and construction permits to clear the site, engineers raised the ground level by approximately 10 feet on average. This elevation change allowed designers to create two new green complexes positioned back-to-back with scenic views overlooking a bend in the river and nearby rapids.
“These greens now sit above the Boise River and take in the sound and movement of the water,” Curley said. “As the only course in the market with true river frontage, those holes really reinforce the identity of The River Club, a name the club recently adopted to reflect its renewed connection to the river. In a region where most courses occupy inland valley land, direct riverfront golf is a rarity.”
The riverfront design aims to make the waterway a defining visual and strategic feature of the course rather than simply a backdrop.
Despite the extensive construction work, the design team has focused on preserving the natural character of the property.
Many existing trees have been retained to maintain the wooded setting that has long defined the course. In cases where construction required relocation, several trees were transplanted to other areas of the property to preserve mature vegetation and maintain scenic backdrops for golfers.
These efforts are intended to ensure that the renovated course blends with the surrounding landscape while enhancing its overall playability and visual appeal.
The redesign also draws inspiration from the club’s architectural heritage.
The original course opened in 1917 and was designed by H. Chandler Egan, a prominent figure in early golf course architecture.
Egan later collaborated with renowned architect Alister MacKenzie on the 1929 renovation of Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of the most famous golf courses in the world.
“Chandler Egan was involved here, and he of course played a role in the history of Pebble Beach as well as Pacific Grove Golf Links,” Curley said. “I grew up in Pebble Beach myself, so it felt meaningful to acknowledge that connection while respecting the character of this course in its small greens and bunkers.”
Curley’s design aims to preserve the spirit of the original layout while modernizing the course to meet contemporary playing standards.
The renovation project also carries personal significance for Curley.
His son, Cooper Curley, is working on the project as a shaper, marking the first time the father and son have collaborated on a golf course build.
Shapers play a critical role in golf course construction by sculpting greens, bunkers and fairways to match the architect’s vision.
Most of the green complexes on the course have already been shaped, and the majority of fairway bunkers have been completed using modern Z-Line bunker liner technology designed to improve drainage and durability.
The next major phase of construction will involve turf installation, scheduled to begin in late April.
Fairways and rough areas will feature blends of Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass, while tees and greens will be planted with Pure Eclipse bentgrass, a turf variety commonly used on high-performance golf courses.
Club officials expect the renovation project to continue through 2026, with an official reopening targeted for late spring 2027.
Once completed, the redesigned course is expected to offer a significantly enhanced playing experience while strengthening The River Club’s identity as a riverfront golf destination.
“I’m very proud of what we are accomplishing at The River Club,” Curley said. “This project transforms what had been a relatively modest layout into a much more dramatic and memorable golf experience for the membership.”
The renovation reflects a broader trend within the golf industry, where historic courses are being modernized to improve design strategy, environmental sustainability and player experience while preserving their original character.
Originally Reported by Golf Course Industry staff in Golf Course Industry.
