b'GOLF WASHINGTONDan Hixsons Vision Shinesat Indian Canyon and BeyondAmong Hixsons many course renovations is P GA Professional-turned-architect Dan Hixson has made a lasting impact onhis recent work on reclaiming the bunkers at Northwest golf, most recently through a bunker renovation at venerable Indianvenerable Indian Canyon in Spokane.Canyon Golf Course in Spokane.Known for his thoughtful restorations and original designs such as Wine Valley, Silvies Valley Ranch and Bar Run, Dan comes from a proud golfing family: his late father Harvey was a beloved and longtime local PGA professional, and his brother Doug was recently honored as Oregon Chapter PGA Golf Professional of the Year.Dan has no website, no business cards to hand outbut his work speaks volumes, and we did manage to do this Q&A with him. Lets start with Indian Canyon. You just completed a major bunker renovationwhat were some of your design goals for that project, and how do you think it will play differently?My goals changed for the project when I was first hired, after studying the existing conditions at that time. I originally thought we would reduce and expand some of the bunkers, as well as move several to better locations and perhaps add several new ones. The bunkers were mostly original to Chandler Egans 1934 opening day plan. Some had expanded through edging and raking, which also destroyed all the proper internal contours and the edges. However, after studying each bunker, it really became apparent the original bunker planning was very solid. Construction then became a renovation project without a great amount of creativity needed. While not a true restoration project, we focused on the surrounds and reestablishing the proper internal grades, following Egans great design.I think the biggest difference will be in playing conditions with the improved quality of sand. The changes have allowed the maintenance staff to maintain them 2 GOLF WASHINGTON| SEPT 2025'