SWCC back in business

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 28, 2005 2:03 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Back in business.

The board members at Southern Wayne Country Club inspected the newly-renovated greens Monday and granted approval for play beginning Friday morning. The decision comes two weeks ahead of schedule after the 6,265-yard course underwent refurbishing more than a month ago.

"The green itself is in great shape and completely covered," said Howard Hunt, the course's golf pro. "It should be great for everybody who comes to play."

The board did have one concern while touring the facility. Chemicals used to kill the original bent grass damaged the fringe areas on some greens. However, Hunt said it will naturally grow back and shouldn't affect play.

Coastal Turf, a Texas-based company, hand-sprigged every green on the 18-hole in mid-June. Once they had finished the last hole, course superintendent Scott Heath covered each green with a thin layer of sand and kept them wet with a sprinkler system.

Hunt said the sprinklers helped compensate for a three-week drought, but added that the Tifdwarf Bermuda grass favors hot temperatures.

"That's what makes it grow best," Hunt said.

Hunt admitted the course renovations left a hefty price tag and the board agreed that opening two weeks early would prevent further revenue loss.

The changes forced the postponement of the annual member-guest tournament until Sept. 17. The club's next major tournament is the Mount Olive Jaycees Pickle Classic, slated for Aug. 19-21. The three-day event draws more than 200 golfers from the Carolinas.

Also on tap is a pro-am tournament Sept. 6 and the annual club championship during the second weekend of October.

"We know it's going to take a little while to get the word out," said Hunt. "We can't wait."