WEST POINT, N.Y. (September 29, 2015) - The summer is quickly fading as we turn the page to autumn on the golfing season. Despite the above average temperatures which has made it feel like summer in recent weeks we are now looking at the feel of fall in the air as night time lows dip down into the lower 50's and upper 40's.
This is a special time of year for the golf course not only because it offers beautiful views of fall foliage, but it also gives us a chance to strengthen our playing surface turf that may have suffered from summer stress.
The focus in course maintenance shifts to agronomic needs of the turf plant which includes greens spiking and topdressing, aerification and seeding, and nutrition adjustments to support good root and crown growth within the plant. These practices, while barely noticeable to the golfer, offers us the ability to put the turf in the best possible condition for the stress that comes along with harsh winter conditions. This maintenance transition has already begun and work will continue of the next several weeks until cooler weather slows plant vigor and growth.
A great deal has been accomplished in the past several weeks on the course includ-ing the installation of drainage on 3 of our fairways, aerification of our tees and most of our fairways, and now the much anticipated demolition of the old clubhouse which is slated to be-gin Friday 9/25. As the time of our existing clubhouse comes to an end I think back at the evo-lution the course has gone through that puts us where we are today. In short, a transition in 1997 to open the course to the public and increased investment in the operation through equipment, supply and most importantly personnel improved the quality and condition of the course which realized an increase in rounds and general activity that the existing clubhouse could no longer support.
In recent years we found ourselves without the ability to meet the current needs of our growing customer base expectations and the push for a larger, modern facility moved forward. Starting now, with the demolition of the clubhouse a bright future for the golf course and those who visit this special place begins. I very much look forward to utiliz-ing the potential that this golf course has and use the new facility that will be constructed this next year as a catalyst for an enhanced player experience. The new facility will help to unlock the potential this location holds and act as a springboard for expanded services as the golf industry evolves over years to come.
Work on the demolition of the clubhouse will continue over the next several weeks at which time we will be left with a graded and contoured area stabilized with seed and mulch until work can begin on the new facility. There will be a great deal of activity and noise during this process so please expect some disruption while playing through the work area of 9 and 18. While passing through the work area please be mindful of play behind you and avoid delay moving on to the next hole. Beyond the action around the clubhouse please enjoy the wonder-ful display of color that autumn will soon bring to our golf course. It's one of the best times of the year!
Question of the Week:
Q: What do you do if a ball rolls to the construction fence along the clubhouse project?
A: The fence will be considered an immovable obstruc-tion and free relief will be granted no closer to the hole. Additionally, if a ball is not against the fence but a golfers swing is impeded by the fence relief will still be granted. A ball over the fence in the work area will be considered Out of Bounds. Please do not attempt to enter the work area to locate and retrieve your ball.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Garrison West Point website
Social Sharing