October 08, 2009 –
MAYETTA: Landscape architect Jeff Brauer flew in from Dallas this week and made a visit to the Firekeeper Golf Course being constructed on the PBP Common Land. He told the News that he was pleased with the progress of the course so far and that the design elements are special and unique.
Landscapes Unlimited, Lincoln, Neb. is constructing the course and is utilizing several staff from the PBPN Public Works Department and other laborers from the local area who have been hired to help with the project. Presently workers are busy laying a lot of sod, shaping sand bunkers near the holes, and pouring concrete for the last leg of the cart path. Over the winter brush will be cleared and the clubhouse will be built as a means of keeping workers busy.
Brauer, considered a pioneer in the environmental preservation of modern golf courses, has also designed other 18-hole golf courses in Kansas including Colbert Hills, Manhattan, Eagle Bend, Lawrence, and Sand Creek Station, Newton which are just a few of the many he has designed nationwide. On the Firekeeper project, he is partnering with Landscapes Unlimited and NB3 Consulting Group that is led by world-class golfer Notah Begay III. Firekeeper will be Begay’s first signature course.
According to Junior Wahweotten, Tribal Council member, who is spearheading the effort for the PBPN, the course is presently under budget and on schedule for completion for mid-summer next year.
Junior Wahweotten and Jeff Brauer at the golf course.
Hole number 9.
Facing east on the course. Nation Station is seen in background.