On Tuesday, June 7 the Golf Advisory Committee (GAC) received its first formal presentation on the Master Plan for the future of our golf facilities. Brian Costello of Costello, Hollinger, & Moore offered his initial ideas for improvements to four elements of our courses:
- Modify the sand bunkers on the South course to improve playability.
- Reduce irrigated turf on the South course from 200 acres down to less than 100 acres to decrease our water bill. (note: commercial water rates are going up 90% on July 1).
- Expand and improve the practice putting green at the clubhouse of the South course.
- Modify & improve the 18 hole putting course at the Montecito Clubhouse.
The preliminary plan was the first series of ideas which will now lead to prioritizing budget and to balance timing & disruption of play for our South course.
Dave Bakshey, GAC Chair, said “We have to be mindful that while we increase the enjoyment of our South course, we can’t take the teeth out of the course either”. Also at the presentation was the head of golf construction from the headquarters of Troon Golf operations in Scottsdale, AZ. Troon takes over management of our Golf as well as all Food & Beverage operations on July 1.
Watch this space for continuing updates on the Master Plan and check "Recent Questions and Answers" for more info.