Netting protects the
renovated 16th green at the
Gold Course from geese.
common pre-renovation complaint was
the Gold Course’s greens were too soft and
spongy and played far too slow in the hot
summer months. The 007 bent will rectify
that issue.
“Penncross [the old bent] came out in
the 50s, and 007 came out in 2007,” said
Jeremy Waddell, a superintendent at the
Golden Horseshoe. “There are about twice
as many plants in a four-inch plug than
Penncross had, maybe closer to three
times as many plants. You can get more
upright growth out of it, which enables you
to mow at lower heights, which enables
fast er green speeds.
Member Clubs
“It’s a proven grass in our area. Two Rivers
Country Club [in Williamsburg] has had it
for about five years. It’s more heat tolerant.
It’s more stress tolerant. It should yield a
much, much better playing surface overall.”
TOTAL RENOVATION
The greens weren’t the only areas of the
course to get a makeover. The bunkers
were rebuilt using the “Better Billy Bun-
ker” construction technique, which will
improve the bunkers’ drainage, look and
playability. The fairways and surrounding
roughs were re-sodded with Northbridge
Bermuda turf.
“The Northbridge is a more cold-hardy
Bermuda grass, and it’s a fairly new grass
too,” Waddell said. “It’s more cold-toler-
ant, so even if it freezes, it should leave you
viable plant come the springtime. It should
green up faster, as well as go dormant a little
later, than say, 419 Bermuda, which is the
standard around here.”
Visitors will notice other changes as
well. Nine forward tees were added. The
practice putting green has nearly doubled
in size. The club added target greens to the
driving range, and new tall shrubbery will
provide a barrier between the first tee and
the range. A lawn bowling court has been
converted into a short-game practice area
featuring two bunkers and ample room to
practice chipping.
“Especially for the golfer who has expec-
tations, they’re going to see some quality
playing surfaces,” Winters said. “They’re
going to realize the bunkers are state of the
art. The playability value is just going to
be so different, and so much improved.”
THE GRASS IS
TRULY GR EENER
AT A M E R I C A’ S
FIRST RESORT.
Experience challenging
fairways nestled in the
breathtaking Allegheny
Mountains at The Omni
Homestead Resort. With more
than 30 other activities and a
world-class spa, this is a golf
getaway you’ll never forget.
OMNIHOTELS.COM/THEHOMESTEAD
540-839-1766
vsga.org
M AY / J U N E 2 0 17 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R
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