From the Head Golf Professional

A Letter From

Dave Bahr |

Head Golf Professional

Maketewah Golf Professionals

Richard Cass 1911-1915 Archie Simpson Jr. 1916-1920

William Damen 1918-1919

George Bowden 1921-1937 Fed Miley 1937-1944 Clay Gaddie 1944-1970 Don Gleason 1970-2005 Dave Bahr 2006-Present

I believe that it is imperative for Maketewah to renovate both the clubhouse and the golf course to help solidify us as one of the top clubs in Ohio. The clubhouse has been neglected for too long and the golf course has been improved over the last 7 years but still needs a few finishing touches to restore the original Ross masterpiece.

Clubhouse Renovation

I have spoken to many members and prospective members throughout my 15 year career here about the Maketewah clubhouse. The overwhelming opinion is that it is a beautiful, stately building in need of a major interior face lift. The rooms throughout the clubhouse do not have a great flow and the interior decor is very tired – in need of fresh paint, carpet and furniture. By renovating the clubhouse interior and flipping the bar area to the center of the clubhouse, members will undoubtedly use it more for both personal dining and entertaining guests which can only help our bottom line. These renovations fall right in line with establishing a high-level golf experience from the moment you walk into the clubhouse until you head to the first tee.

Golf Course Renovation

A golf course is just like your house – it needs constant reinvesting to increase or maintain its value. With other Cincinnati courses undergoing major renovations the last couple of years, we cannot afford to fall behind with the product we are delivering to our members and guests. We need the following projects to take place to provide an elite golf experience.

Fairway Bunkers

Ben Crenshaw, noted golfer and course designer stated the following in a recent article when asked what makes a great golf course:

“The bunkering of a course can give players a sense of the signature of the architect who built the course. “That stamp of individuality comes from the look of the bunkers,” Crenshaw said. “No one is ever going to think of Winged Foot without thinking of its bunkers. …The bunkers are just beautiful there. It’s part of a personality of a place.” Over the years, we lost the personality of the original Donald Ross design by removing bunkers simply for cost saving reasons. By restoring these bunkers, we improve the look and playability of the golf course for golfers of all levels while continuing to elevate the status of the course both locally and nationally. Restoring bunkers to #3, #5, #7, #11, #14 and #15 will create definition to the holes and provide some fun options on tee shots and approach shots. I think everyone would agree that the greenside bunkers were a dramatic improvement to the course and I think the fairway bunkers will be even more dramatic!

Green Drainage

The XGD has already proven to be a great addition to the #18 and #2 greens. This system will help provide healthier, faster greens on a regular basis. There is simply no reason not to have this done to all our greens.

Irrigation

A new irrigation system will ultimately provide better course conditions through better watering practices and more consistent coverage of entire golf course.

Cart Paths

The biggest eye sore for me as I drive around the golf course each day is the poor condition and placement of the cart paths. All of the paths are not slated to be replaced but anything we can do to hide the cart paths and improve their appearance is a huge step in the right direction.

If you aren’t getting better, you are getting worse. Maketewah is one of the top golf clubs in this area and we are at a point where we need to make some improvements to stay as the golf club of choice in this area. We are one of only two Donald Ross courses in Cincinnati. This is a true Ross classic that is the heart and soul of this club. I strongly urge the membership to vote yes for this project. It will pay huge dividends for years to come.