One of Mississippi’s most celebrated golf courses has come back to life after a year-long transformation.
Old Waverly Club has officially reopened the Mossy Oak course at West Point and invites members and guests to a new and improved experience. Named after the famous Mississippi camouflage brand, Mossy Oak was originally led by renowned architect Gil Hanse, while professional golfer and entrepreneur Jerry Pate guided the renovation process.
“Gil Hanses’ directions and strategic approach to this rolling farmland are striking,” Pate noted. “The rebuilt bunkers, traditional link-style greens flowing into the grounds, will leave a lasting impression on those who play Mossy Oak.”
Highlights of renovation
During the year of closure the project included:
– A complete reconstruction of all bunkers
– Extension of the trail
– Regrass the subsoil with TifEagle
– Improved and reworked cart paths
The relaunch also heralds a new era for Old Waverly Club. A new ownership structure – anchored by Pate as chairman and supported by the Bryan family and select investors – now unites Old Waverly and Mossy Oak under one organizational umbrella.
Since its founding in 1988, Old Waverly has built a reputation as one of the most distinctive private golf clubs in America. Its founder, George Bryan, sought to evoke a taste of Scotland in Mississippi and create a destination for both golf and hospitality in the state’s Golden Triangle.
Pate and architect Bob Cupp were brought in in 1986 to develop the original Old Waverly course from rugged natural forest and pasture. When it opened in September 1988, it had already received much praise. Over the years, Old Waverly has appeared on numerous “Best Of” lists and hosted high-profile championships, including the US Women’s Open (1999), US Women’s Mid-Amateur (2006), US Women’s Amateur (2019) and multiple Southern Amateur events (2015, 2021).
In 2016, Mossy Oak was unveiled across the street from Old Waverly, quickly gaining national fame. In 2018, Golfweek ranked Mossy Oak among the top 100 modern golf courses in the US. Today, it also serves as the official home course for the Mississippi State University men’s and women’s golf teams.
The broader trend: track renovations are increasing
While construction of new golf courses remains modest, the U.S. golf industry is seeing a surge in renovation and restoration activity.
The National Golf Foundation reports that annual course closures have declined for five years in a row, with 2024 recording the lowest closure rate since 2004, indicating an improvement in facility health and renewed investment. (National Golf Foundation)
At the same time, major renovation projects are on the rise: the USGA notes that “waiting lists have swelled… and major renovations are happening everywhere.” (USGA)
According to data from the National Golf Foundation, the U.S. averages only 13 new golf courses opening each year, but the number of existing courses being rebuilt or redesigned is much higher. (National Golf Foundation)
Between 2016 and 2022, an estimated 62% of golf facilities were invested in capital improvements, averaging approximately $419,500 per property, much of which went to renovation, irrigation and infrastructure. (ngcoa.org)
In 2024 alone, 59 new or renovated U.S. courses were rated by Golf Digest’s ranking panel for “Best New” and “Best Renovation” awards. (Golf overview)
Industry reports estimate that the global golf course construction market is worth nearly $5 billion, and the renovation and restoration segment is rapidly expanding to meet demand. (Market Report Analysis)
In the US, the golf and country club industry has grown about 4% annually over the past five years, reaching an estimated $34.9 billion by 2025. (IBISWorld)
Taken together, these numbers show clear national momentum, with owners and operators choosing to reinvest in existing courses rather than gamble on new developments. The extensive rejuvenation of Mossy Oak fits neatly into that larger pattern.
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