"Trials In Renovation"

Sometimes we forget the arduous task of conceptualizing, selling and executing a golf course restoration, particularly with the number of successful projects and satisfied courses.

So for those thinking of pushing to get their older golf course restored, I’d recommend reading about the experiences and lessons learned of Geoffrey Manton, a radiologist and Green Committee Chairman at Country Club of Farmington.

Not everyone will understand what we’re trying to accomplish by restoring the golf course, and maybe that’s not their fault. After all, everything is relative. There is a dominant feature on our golf course, a former sand quarry, that has been overgrown for over a half-century. Our consulting architect created computer generated imagery of what a restoration of this feature might look like. “Can you imagine, it looks like Pine Valley!” said one member to another. “What’s Pine Valley?” replied the other. Some detractors have been more direct, like opposing green expansions, citing the atrocity of having a sprinkler head on the putting surface or calling for tree planting to replace those lost from the emerald ash borer. Each member has their own perspective and as I’ve been informed – “I pay dues. I have a right to complain.”

Some things in golf never change!

Anyway, it’s worth a read over at LyingFour.com whether you are a budding Green Chairman or just dreaming of becomin gone. Manton’s also posted some images at Twitter showing off the finished product.