PATTI PETITT, right, director of Parks and Recreation, and City Manager Janice Casteel, left, take a tour of the Waterville Golf Course as part of the Golf Advisory Board on Monday. Banner photo, DELANEY WALKER
Staff members have used Labor Day weekend as their goal for several months. The Sept. 10 ribbon cutting will allow for last-minute details to be straightened out. The advisory board is waiting to hear if a second tunnel under Highway 60 near No. 18 green is up to TDOT grade issue.
More than $1,000 worth of damage was committed when a white SUV was driven across the golf course. According to reports, damages include broken sprinkler heads, tire tracks, and torn sod. Janice Casteel, city manager, has asked the Cleveland Police Department to investigate the matter.
Ken Fortner, a longtime member at Waterville, approached the board with his concerns about the course.
“I respect what you are trying to do. You have a big job trying to get this back half ready ... My concern is what is happening on the front side of this golf course,” Fortner said. “I believe if this golf course were maintained properly then revenue would have come in that could have been used for the back half.”
Fortner said he has heard very little about what can be done to improve the first nine holes of the golf course. He suggested replacing the crabgrass found on the course with Bermuda grass. The Bermuda grass allows the ball to sit up so it is easier to hit, Fortner said. Fortner showed the board the difference in how a golf ball lies on the two types of grass through a demonstration.
“My buddies and I play golf no matter the season. When this crabgrass dies down in the winter, it is nothing but wiring. You can’t play golf on that type of grass,” Fortner said. “Crabgrass has no place on a golf course.”
According to Fortner, the weed commonly known as crow’s foot can be an issue on the course, as well. He said the weed can be killed with a divot tool when it is still small. He has taken care of hundreds by his estimation.
Staff members shared the business that has been conducted on the course. Changes include:
- Master punch list: backfill on No. 17 is complete; the bridges for No. 10 have been completed; the walking bridge at No. 17 has been started; pond overflow on No. 1 has been fixed; and filling where the cart path comes out will be included on No. 10.
- The two-sided road sign is completed and is in the process of being placed. The sign will sit up on bricks so passersby will know the location of the golf course. Casteel mentioned landscaping work to be completed for a more traditional golf course look.
- The board has decided to rebuild No. 5, the hole across the lake. According to reports, the hole is affected every year due to its position. The board moved that No. 5 be raised six to eight inches with the possibility of a fan installation. Staff said they would like the entire course to have Bermuda grass in the future.
