Golf instruction has gone high-tech, as teaching pros find that the extra cost for new tools that go well beyond the capabilities of one-dimensional video can be justified by faster and more precise analysis of all that goes into a student’s swing.
Wildfire Smoke Affects Central Oregon Golf Courses
The Milli Fire now measures more than 21,100 acres, affecting air quality and visibility. “[It’s not so] thick that you can’t see your hand, but sometimes in the mornings, I can’t see the trees on the back of the [driving] range, which is about 350 yards away,” said Rob Malone, Director of Golf at Aspen…
The Club at Cordillera Earns Troon’s “Facility of the Year”
The Edwards, Colo., property earned the honor through Troon’s annual awards. Brian Kelley of Manchester Country Club in Bedford, N.H., won “General Manager of the Year” and Jeff Cathey of Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla., earned “Superintendent of the Year.”
Bend (Ore.) G&CC to Sell Parcels to Developer
The club stands to net $3 million from the sale of two parcels at the edge of the golf course, measuring 3.3 acres and 8.5 acres, to a housing developer. General Manager Jeff Keller said the club was not under pressure to sell the land, but wanted to “make sure the club will be pretty well off into the next century.”
Developers Submit Proposals for Resort at Chambers Bay
Chambers Bay Development LLC and Valiant Washington have each submitted proposals to build a $45-50 million project that would include a hotel, restaurant, and clubhouse adjacent to the University Place, Wash., golf course. The county will choose between the two proposals after a public forum is held September 8. In Bend, Ore., Pronghorn Resort has begun work on Huntington Lodge, a three-story, 104-room hotel that’s expected to open by fall 2017.
Personalized Pools
Accommodating the distinct needs of club members and guests of all ages keeps pool areas bustling.
Lost Tracks GC Up for Sale
Brian Whitcomb, the owner and operator of the public Bend, Ore., property, built the golf course 20 years ago. Whitcomb decided to “test the waters” of a sale after an inquiry by his real estate broker, and said the decision did not come out of necessity.
Owner Puts Lost Tracks GC on the Market
The public Bend, Ore., property has an asking price of $3.6 million, which includes the 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, restaurant, pro shop, driving range, teaching facility and maintenance barn. Equipment, including course maintenance equipment and 65 golf carts with GPS, is also available to any prospective buyers.
Elk Herds Damage Bend, Ore., Golf Courses
Displaced herds are calling golf courses home in the area, and are doing damage to greens through hoof prints, droppings and urine that kills the grass. Sunriver Resort uses fencing around the greens to keep the elk from treading on the putting surfaces, and takes care to sod areas where urine damages the grass.
Brewing Up Interest
Clubs are getting crafty with beer pairings and dinners.
Tetherow GC Updates Greens, Adds Speed League
The Bend, Ore., property will unveil upgrades to its greens and several holes on March 29, and introduce a new speed league that will incorporate the property’s fleet of GolfBoards.
Tetherow Resort Installs Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The Bend, Ore., property now offers two Tesla level-two 100-amp stations and a universal 40-amp station for other brands, available to tourists and locals.
Central Oregon Golf Courses Cope with Vandalism
River’s Edge Golf Course in Bend recently reported a vandal’s joy ride on the fairways and greens, but a protective layer of snow followed by a quick thaw prevented any damage. The Greens at Redmond (Ore.), however, was not as lucky after a similar incident.
“Golfboard” Makers Have Raised $1M to Ramp Up Production
Sol Boards, Inc., which makes the oversized electric skateboards designed to be used by golfers, says it has a “substantial backlog” of orders for the $6,000 devices that the capital will help to fill.
Getting on Board
How to make golf more appealing to younger people has been a constant quandary for the industry. Tetherow Golf Club, in Bend, Ore., is now toying with a concept that seeks to eliminate between-hole boredom and give golfers of all ages a new way to experience the grounds.