FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 11, 2015) -- After more than a year, the Silver Wings Golf Course returned to its former glory as a 27-hole championship facility with the reopening of the Blue Course June 6.
The course reopened with a bang as the Blue Course Grand Reopening Tournament teed off with more than 100 competitors.
Maj. Gen. Michael D. Lundy, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general was on hand to cut the ribbon for the reopening, as well as to participate in the tournament.
Golfers were more than excited to see the course reopen and get a fresh look.
"I'm glad to see the course back up," said Marcus Smith, SWGC member. "It's been a long time and there aren't too many places in the area that you can enjoy a 27-hole course. It makes me happy to see it back up and running, so that I can spend more of my time out here."
"All I can say is it's about time," said Jamie Smith, SWGC member. "I'm just so glad to see it's back up. It's almost like we're playing on a completely new course. And although I might not be the best golfer, I still enjoy getting out here to take a few swings from time to time."
The tournament featured a four-person team scramble and winners were determined by the lowest 18-hole scores. Prizes were awarded for first through sixth place.
Chet Hallman, SWGC business manager, said he and the staff were excited to get the course back open and that the turnout for the tournament was more than he could have hoped for.
"We had a really great turnout and we're glad that everyone was able to come out for the tournament to reopen this course," he said.
The course was closed for more than a year while removal of munitions that were left over from the World War II era -- when the area was used as an antitank range and rocket-propelled grenade range. The removal saw more than 1,545 items removed from the course, totaling more than 62,000 pounds of munitions and 35,000 pounds of scrap metal.
The saving grace in the removal of the munitions was the improvements that the Blue Course received, ranging from old sod being stripped and replaced to new tee complexes, as well as drainage work and renovated bunkers, said Hallman.
Along with the opening of the course, new membership rates will go into effect June 15, said Hallman.
Annual membership rates are: $528 for E-1 to E6 and juniors ages 12-17; $858 for E-7 and up and Department of Defense civilians; and $924 for members of the public. Family rates are also available.
For more information, call 598-2449.
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