Whispering Pines Golf Club Undergoes Major Renovations
News Summary
Whispering Pines Golf Club will close on May 23 for significant renovations, scheduled to reopen on September 1. The upgrades include regrassing tees, greens, and fairways with advanced grass technology, improving playability and aesthetics. The city has approved a budget of $1.5 million, with enhancements like new drainage systems and landscaping changes aimed at providing a better golfing experience.
Whispering Pines Golf Club Set for Exciting Renovations!
Golf enthusiasts, get ready for some exciting news! Whispering Pines Golf Club, a gem located near the beautiful beaches, is about to embark on a significant transformation. Starting May 23, the club will close its doors for renovations and will reopen on September 1. This is all part of a major revamp that promises to make your golfing experience even more enjoyable!
A New Look Awaits
Owned by the city and managed by Atlantic Golf Management, Whispering Pines is set to undergo a series of fabulous upgrades. These renovations include a complete regrassing of the tees, greens, and fairways, ensuring that each part of the course is top-notch.
For those who love a smooth green to putt on, you’ll be thrilled to know that the current greens will be replaced with the latest in grass technology: Sunday ultradwarf Bermudagrass. Why this grass, you ask? It’s known for its lush appearance and ability to withstand heat and drought, giving you a consistent and beautiful putting surface.
Fresh Fairways Ahead
But that’s not all! The tees and fairways will be resodded with a newer grass variety called Bimini Bermuda. This grass is being cultivated specifically at a turf farm in Camden, South Carolina, and it comes highly recommended for its durability and drought tolerance. Many experts believe it could potentially outperform the commonly used 419 Bermuda grass, meaning better conditions for your swing!
Additionally, the fairways will undergo leveling and smoothing, making them easier to navigate. This is key because age-related roughness has been a concern for a while now. The use of a bulldozer will help get everything just right.
Enhancing the Landscape
To further enhance playability, a few hundred trees will be removed to promote better light and airflow around the greens. As of now, about 150 trees have already been taken down. This change is designed to make the course even more inviting and playable.
Bunkers and Parking Improvements
You can also look forward to renovated bunkers that will feature new drainage systems and fresh sand. This is a continuation of the renovation efforts that began two years ago, so it’s exciting to see it all come together. And don’t worry about where to park; the parking lot will also be repaved as part of the renovations!
A Comprehensive Plan
This major renovation phase marks the third part of a comprehensive project approved recently. The first two phases included replacing the irrigation pump and updating irrigation lines with improved technology. The city has allocated a budget of $1.5 million for these updates, and rest assured, Chip Smith from Atlantic Golf Management is committed to covering any cost overruns.
Whispering Pines: A Historical Touch
For those interested in the backstory, Whispering Pines Golf Club has a rich history. Originally built in 1962 with nine holes by military personnel from a nearby air force base, it has seen many changes since then. In 1986, a design firm from Texas helped expand it to a full 18-hole course, making it a par-72 layout nearly 6,800 yards long. The city took ownership of the course in 2001 under the stipulation that it would continue to be used for recreational purposes, and it has remained profitable since Atlantic Golf Management took over in 2014.
Future Aspirations
As renovations proceed, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Whispering Pines and whether new acquisitions are on the horizon for Atlantic Golf Management. Their strategic approach leads to many possible exciting developments ahead.
So mark your calendars and get ready to hit the links again starting September 1! Whispering Pines is on its way to being even better than before!