Ruggles gears up for start of season

By Jason Dominguez, FMWRMarch 22, 2012

Ruggles gears up for start of season
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - A new green on Hole 14, tee boxes and an upgraded teaching and practice facility will celebrate the start of the new regular season at Ruggles Golf Course next month.

Community members are invited to attend a weekend of celebration April 13-15 that will include contests, giveaways and vendors from professional golf companies.

"We've been looking forward to this since the renovations started, and we're ready to give our golfers a top-notch experience," said Rik Bond, Ruggles and Exton golf course manager. "We have a lot of improvements to showcase, from many new items in the Pro Shop to a new green/hole layout and a first class teaching and practice facility."

The weekend will kick off Friday at 2 p.m. Bond said representatives from a national golf products company will be on hand to help customers select the right club for their individual swing, body type and approach from 2-6 p.m. The event called Friday Night Fit will allow guests to test out different clubs, shafts and build a custom golf club that is just right for them.

"Whether they are beginners or advanced players, this is a great opportunity for golfers to improve their swing and purchase a better club," said Bond. "If you're new to the sport, the benefits are obviously invaluable; but this is a huge service, even for the advanced players who want to improve their technique."

Also on Friday, representatives from one of the nation's top energy drink producer will hand out free samples from 2-4 p.m. Attendees can also win prizes and trophies during the putting contests. An all-you-can-eat fish and chip meal for $9.95 will be served from 4 - 7 p.m.

"This is one of our new menu items, and it has really been a hit with our patrons," Bond said. "Guests can also relax on the patio to live entertainment during dinner."

The fun continues Saturday, when Ruggles opens up the new layout for the first time. The lowest score from each tee box will receive a "Course Record" plaque. Also on Saturday at 9 a.m., Foot Joy will assist guests interested in purchasing custom golf shoes. Customers can view all the shoes they offer, find one they like and order it at a special reopening price. Attendees can also design and order custom golf shoes--My Joys--from Foot Joy.

"If guests want to order shoes with a Baltimore Ravens logo or with different colors, they can be as creative as they want," Bond said.

The weekend celebration, hosted by the installation's Family, Morale and Welfare and Recreation and Ruggles, will culminate Sunday with a Family Fun Day.

"This is truly a golfer's weekend--a time for everyone to come together and have fun, prep for the new season, meet other people in the community, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather," said Bond.

For more information, call 410-278-9452.