Member Clubs |
|||||
CHRIS LANG ( 3 ) |
As the club ’ s name implies , the deer are plentiful on the Deer Run course . |
received from the city ,” she says . “ We realize all the needs they have and think that golf should be at the top of their agenda , but not when you are balancing that with education and other community needs . We are one of many .”
The Woods Effect
Woods has always been interested in the Deer Run and Cardinal courses . He played them as a kid , did outings at Cypress Creek and liked that Newport News accommodated outings on one course and had public and league play on the other .
“ I always thought the sky was the limit there . As we resolve some maintenance matters this championship course can be one of the best in Virginia ,” he says .
Those issues are being actively addressed by a golf course superintendent and former Kingsmill colleague Brad Pegram . “ Woods has respected the maintenance scheduling required to prepare these courses properly . His knowledge and understanding of those practices has made the transition seamless ,” says Pegram .
“ Knowing Brad and his impeccable greens coming in made things really easy ,” adds Woolwine . “ The staff here has been outstanding . They were well versed , knew the product , operation and enabled us to transition easily .” Bottom line . “ Woods has done an amazing job on the course with a conservative budget and managing a talented , knowledgeable and dedicated maintenance staff ,” says Roche .
Financial Assistance
City funds have enabled NNGC to address issues created by the Cardinal
|
course ’ s 40-year-old irrigation system . Similar upgrades are slated for Deer Run in FY 2024 .
“ Extensive drainage work on the Cardinal as well as earlier root pruning has benefited the course ’ s agronomic health and playability ,” says Woods . “ Conversations with the USGA Green Section resulted in the removal and resodding of 15 bunkers on Deer Run and 10-12 on the Cardinal . Members cite the addition of yardage markers and fairway tees ( especially on No . 14 at Deer Run and No . 8 on Cardinal ) as a major enhancement , especially to the lengthy Deer Run . Now all players — beginners , Juniors , females and seniors — have the option of playing a 3,800-yard layout instead of a 6,500-plus yarder should they choose .
“ There were some old things we had to change too . Retraining rangers was one . Altering tee times from seven to eightnine minutes was another . That made a huge difference ,” adds Woods .
As has the introduction of a pace of play sheet ; each change designed to augment golfer enjoyment .
“ There are lots of people on the course noticing the upgrades ,” says long-time club and former VSGA board member Mike Ancel . “ It ’ s refreshing to hear players saying positive things about these little tweaks . Nice turnaround . Woods has been a breath of fresh air .”
Back to the Future
Most energizing is Woolwine ’ s use of new-school technology to boost old-school staples . His experience has taught him the value that outings bring to a club and community . Woolwine has been revamping NNGC ’ s eight leagues with plans for more . He has built websites for the leagues and tournaments using Golf Genius software for emails , signups , online and phone scoring .
“ I am looking to grow leagues , tournaments and outings this
|
season and am going to push them hard on social media ,” he says .
He ’ ll use social media to boost rounds in 2022 as well .
“ There are still people who don ’ t know about NNGC ,” says Woolwine . “ We are right off the interstate and easy to find . I want to get Newport News Golf Course noticed . It ’ s going to take social media . I ’ ve been growing the Facebook page since I got here . We ’ ve gotten increased play , but I just feel we can do so much more .”
Much of “ more ” is coming from Woods ’ extensive relationships across the Peninsula and Southside . In 2009 , Woods founded a burgeoning youth travel nonprofit called Virginia Venom Sports Organization as a way to give back to the community . Increased play has come from those connections , as have his initiatives with groups like Special Olympics , which take advantage of NNGC range time .
“ He has a good heart ,” says Miller . “ We are grateful , hopeful , confident and looking forward to next year .”
Assistant director Roche is in full agreement . “ With Woods on board we have an opportunity to redefine our success . His professionalism is infectious . He is insightful and has instilled his passion into making changes that have improved the player experience .”
“ This may be a public course , but it ’ s not going to look like one when you walk on it ,” says Woolwine . “ You ’ re going to walk off it and say ‘ wow .’”
And at a $ 28 weekday senior rate , what ’ s not to like ?
The par-3 5th hole at Deer Run , with dormant Bermuda waiting to awaken from its winter slumber .
|