2014 brought us several new and exciting changes to the golf course.
New golf carts were purchased!
The former fleet of golf carts had aged to the point that replacement was necessary. Annual regular maintenance had evolved into annual repair of major components on most of the carts.
The cart paths from #8 green through #13 tee were replaced. With more to come. The paths were prepped for paving by our staff in-house, and then paved by Martin Paving.
Additionally, a bunker restoration project was initiated. This project is also being done in-house to control costs. We currently have 26 bunkers on the course. Approximately 25 bunkers have been removed over the years. Our goal is to restore the existing bunkers, and replace ones that have been removed.
The bunker project is especially exciting for my department. Re-instating the fairway bunkers will add some much needed character to some of our holes. The fairway bunkers, like the one added this past summer on #8 will feature sand bottoms and grass faces to emulate the original style of Galen Hall's fairway bunkers such as the existing bunker on the right side of #2. This style also aids in the maintenance of them, since the sand will not wash down from the faces.
The biggest hurdle in re-installing the omitted bunkers is their placement. Much thought, measurement and attention is incorporated to determining their exact location. The primary determining factors include: balancing originality with today's equipment (verses the equipment 100 years ago), and keeping shorter-hitters from being penalized.
My staff and I look forward to a great 2015 golf season!
Stay tuned for more updates!
