GOLF COURSE UPDATE
End-of-Summer Golf Course Improvement Plan Update
2025 – 2026 Bermuda Remediation, Bunker Renovation Phase 2
& Front-Nine Resequencing
Dear Members,
Over the next several months, the golf course will see
substantial activity as we carry out three key projects that are central to our
long-term capital improvement program. These efforts the Bermuda grass
remediation, Phase 2 of the bunker renovation, and the front-nine resequencing reflect
priorities identified through ongoing course planning and your feedback. While
each project will create some temporary disruption, the cumulative benefit will
be a healthier, more enjoyable, and better flowing course for seasons to come.
The details below explain what to expect, why the timing matters, and how play
will be affected.
What Members Should Expect
Our project schedule begins
September 14 and continues through early spring. Once work is underway, members
can plan for the following conditions:
●
Hole closures and cart restrictions as new fairway sod
and bunker projects begin.
●
A full course closure beginning October 6. A portion of
the course will reopen in early spring, with the full 18 holes back in play by
mid-April.
●
Continued updates on affected holes, timing, and
recovery expectations so members can plan accordingly.
Why the October 6 Course Closure Matters
Beginning September 14, McDonald & Sons Golf Course Construction
Company will have four crews on site, up from the originally planned two—to
take advantage of the remaining warm-weather window. The decision to start
early and add crews was deliberate: one week of productive work in September
and October is worth two weeks in winter when conditions deteriorate. The
additional resources will allow us to complete far more of the project now,
ensuring the course is in the best possible shape when it reopens in the spring
of 2027.
We know this is an inconvenience, and we don't take the full
closure lightly. However, once sodding and bunker work begin, the disruption
across multiple holes makes it impractical to keep even nine holes open.
Closing the entire course on October 6 is the most efficient and the fastest path
to delivering a fully restored course next season.
Timing and Impact on Play
Beginning on September 14, holes with newly sodded fairways or
renovated bunkers will close periodically and remain closed until early spring.
We recognize this may be frustrating and will provide advance notice of any
hole closures, cart restrictions, or schedule changes.
Because multiple holes will be out of play and walking
between closed holes would be difficult, a mandatory cart policy will be in
effect during all open days before the full closure. Cart fees will be offered
at a reduced rate during this period.
The Golf Pro Shop is putting together a robust reciprocal
golf program with other golf courses in the area to accommodate or golfing
members during this project.
Phase 2 Bunker Renovation & Fairway Sodding
Phase 2 of the bunker renovation
is scheduled to begin the week of September 21. Work will start on Hole 15,
continue through Holes 11, 12, 10, and 18, and then move to the front nine.
Fairway sodding will begin the week of September 14,
starting on Hole 8. Each area will be prepared one day and sodded the next. Once
work starts on a hole, that hole will be closed to play.
Front-Nine Resequencing
Before the course reopens in the spring, the front nine will
be resequenced to improve pace of play. The new routing is designed to create
greater variety in the opening holes—mixing shorter and longer, easier and more
demanding holes—to reduce early-round bunching and keep groups moving smoothly.
The new order, using the current
hole numbers, will be: 1, 8, 6, 7, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9.
This resequencing will also
include selective cart-path removal and new cart-path installation on Holes 1,
8, and 5—changes intended to create smoother transitions and more efficient
movement across the front nine.
Informational Meeting
Joel Weiman will host an informational meeting on Tuesday,
September 23, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Phase 2 of the bunker renovation project.
All members are welcome to attend and ask questions.
Looking Ahead
When these projects are complete, members can look forward
to restored bentgrass fairways, more consistent playing conditions, improved
year-round visual uniformity, enhanced bunker presentation, and a better
overall flow on the front nine. Together, these improvements advance the Club's
long-term capital priorities and reflect our ongoing commitment to thoughtful
investment in the golf course and your member experience.
Thank you for your patience,
understanding, and support as we complete this important work.
Sincerely,
Mike Augustin
Director of Agronomy
maugustin@bellehavencc.com
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