New Greens And New Life For Florida Golf Course
It was not business as usual for director of golf Mike Aldridge at Miami Springs' historic Golf and Country Club on Friday afternoon. The newly renovated pro shop was abuzz as members and nonmembers dropped by to play the course's recently revamped 18 holes.
The course, located at 650 Curtiss Pkwy., was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina last year, resulting in rough greens and the loss of many canopy trees. Early in July, the greens were re-seeded with Tifdwarf Bermudagrass, a small-leafed grass that is highly recommended for courses with year-round play. After approval from the City Council, Champion Turf, a Texas-based company, re-seeded the greens at the cost of $150,000.
The course is open to the public and has a driving range and country club. The city started to redo the greens after Independence Day.
''It is a quiet opening because things are not quite what we anticipated. Time and growth will make the difference,'' Aldridge said. ``However, we will have a big grand opening sometime in October.''
Hurricane Katrina damaged almost 100 trees at the city-owned course, and uprooted about 12 ficus trees, exposing root plates 20 feet in diameter.
Ken Amendola, a member of the city of Miami Springs Golf and Country Club Advisory Board, said prior to the July renovations, golfers mainly complained about the grainy greens.
Amendola said now Miami Springs' turf is on par with neighboring courses.
''We'll have top-quality greens, as good as any other course around here. It's one of the oldest courses in the area and the layout is great,'' he said.
Paul ''Pauly'' Stieglitz is a regular at Miami Springs Golf and Country Club. And, although he lives in Broward County, Stieglitz still chooses to play at Miami Springs.
''It's a beautiful course that's been here since the 1920s,'' said Stieglitz, as he points to a plaque on the club house wall. ``Many great players have played here: Sam Sneed, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan.''
With the new improvements, Aldridge expects ''a 10 percent increase in people,'' resulting ``in a 40 percent increase in revenue.''
In December, once the golf season starts, Aldridge says the greens fees will increase between 5 percent and 10 percent. Open 6 a.m to 9 p.m., the current weekday rate for a nonmember is $35, plus tax for 18 holes. After 1 p.m., the rate drops to $26, plus tax. On weekends the fee is $45, not including tax.
Aldridge said the new season will feature some special events at the gold course. The Founder's Day golf tourney is scheduled for an 8 a.m. shotgun start Nov. 11. Sponsored by the Miami Springs Airport Chamber of Commerce, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Miami Springs' Hook a Kid on Golf program.
''We are very excited about the upcoming season. It's going to be absolutely one of the best greens in South Florida,'' Aldridge said.
The course, located at 650 Curtiss Pkwy., was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina last year, resulting in rough greens and the loss of many canopy trees. Early in July, the greens were re-seeded with Tifdwarf Bermudagrass, a small-leafed grass that is highly recommended for courses with year-round play. After approval from the City Council, Champion Turf, a Texas-based company, re-seeded the greens at the cost of $150,000.
The course is open to the public and has a driving range and country club. The city started to redo the greens after Independence Day.
''It is a quiet opening because things are not quite what we anticipated. Time and growth will make the difference,'' Aldridge said. ``However, we will have a big grand opening sometime in October.''
Hurricane Katrina damaged almost 100 trees at the city-owned course, and uprooted about 12 ficus trees, exposing root plates 20 feet in diameter.
Ken Amendola, a member of the city of Miami Springs Golf and Country Club Advisory Board, said prior to the July renovations, golfers mainly complained about the grainy greens.
Amendola said now Miami Springs' turf is on par with neighboring courses.
''We'll have top-quality greens, as good as any other course around here. It's one of the oldest courses in the area and the layout is great,'' he said.
Paul ''Pauly'' Stieglitz is a regular at Miami Springs Golf and Country Club. And, although he lives in Broward County, Stieglitz still chooses to play at Miami Springs.
''It's a beautiful course that's been here since the 1920s,'' said Stieglitz, as he points to a plaque on the club house wall. ``Many great players have played here: Sam Sneed, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan.''
With the new improvements, Aldridge expects ''a 10 percent increase in people,'' resulting ``in a 40 percent increase in revenue.''
In December, once the golf season starts, Aldridge says the greens fees will increase between 5 percent and 10 percent. Open 6 a.m to 9 p.m., the current weekday rate for a nonmember is $35, plus tax for 18 holes. After 1 p.m., the rate drops to $26, plus tax. On weekends the fee is $45, not including tax.
Aldridge said the new season will feature some special events at the gold course. The Founder's Day golf tourney is scheduled for an 8 a.m. shotgun start Nov. 11. Sponsored by the Miami Springs Airport Chamber of Commerce, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Miami Springs' Hook a Kid on Golf program.
''We are very excited about the upcoming season. It's going to be absolutely one of the best greens in South Florida,'' Aldridge said.
posted by John at
11:24 AM
3 Comments:
Forget Florida. There are many beautiful courses elsewhere.
Golf Tips
By
Anonymous, at 4:22 PM
It is very great article. I read this article and i found it is very good and informative. I really appreciate it. Thanks for sharing this blog. Keep blogging.
The Arroyo Golf Club
By
Unknown, at 5:33 PM
Breathing new life into a Florida golf course, the introduction of fresh greens signals a revitalization for both players and the landscape. With meticulous care and modern design, this renovation promises an elevated golfing experience amidst the Sunshine State's picturesque surroundings. As the course undergoes transformation, anticipation builds for golf enthusiasts eager to tee off on rejuvenated fairways. This initiative not only enhances the play ability of the course but also contributes to the preservation of Florida's rich golfing heritage. With each putt and drive, the renewed vitality of this beloved course serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the sport in the Sunshine State.
By
James, at 4:16 AM
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