CAMP CREEK At long last

Camp Creek GOLF CLUB REOPENS

Renovation Project Delivers More than Just New Grass

BY PRATT FARMER

The seven-month renovation at Camp Creek Golf Club has resulted in a new grass type for the course — Platinum TE™.

MEMBERS WHO HAVE RETURNED

to Camp Creek Golf Club for a round of golf since its reopening in November have seen a noticeable diff erence in the course. In fact, there is a remarkable diff erence as a result of a seven-month renovation program. Now, after nearly 20 years, previous El Toro Zoysia and Bermuda grasses are nowhere to be seen; they’ve been replaced with a state-ofthe-art grass, Platinum TE™, also known as Platinum Paspalum. Recent course upgrades go far beyond the playing surface, however.

According to Ryan Mulvey, General Manager of Golf Operations for The Clubs by JOE, over 95 acres of the new grass have been installed on the course. “Our Members and their guests have found that the new grass presents a much better platform on which to play because the grass can be mowed down to one-eighth of an inch, which reduces stickiness that is common in

“Our leadership team decided early on that it would not be enough to just regrass the course. We wanted to elevate the entire golf experience for our Members.” — Mike Jansen, Managing Director of The Clubs by JOE

other grasses,” said Mulvey. Many turf experts say that it is perfectly suited for excellent ball setup and play, and Members have agreed. What has long been considered one of the top golf courses on the Gulf Coast now has the feel of a brand new course — while staying true to the original Tom Fazio design.

Because the grass blades are wider and the color deeper, the grass promotes ribbon cutting, making it visually appealing. Just imagine the dew on the fairway with a low blanket of fog rising to meet the sunlight and the noticeable ribbons of color accenting the course. “This new feature is more aesthetically pleasing and complements what we have done beyond the grassing project,” Mulvey explained. Throughout the course, golfers have enjoyed aesthetic changes, including previous areas of overgrowth that have been thinned signifi cantly, thanks in part to new equipment that can reach into and penetrate the thick underbrush. One

The course renovation also includes a new type of sand in the bunkers. benefi t has been a more noticeable unimpeded gentle breeze, which can be a welcomed respite some days.

“This course renovation was a major undertaking, and our leadership team decided early on that it would not be enough to just regrass the course,” said Mike Jansen, Managing Director of The Clubs by JOE. “We wanted to elevate the entire golf experience for our Members.” The course consultants that were engaged to develop the renovation plan suggested a holistic approach be taken, looking at and considering numerous items needing to be addressed. “There was a keen desire to open up the course, allowing for better views. The removal of overgrowth then allowed us to lay pine straw in feature areas, adding another interesting layer of natural elements,” Mulvey said. Additionally, every bunker has new sand. G-angle Bunker Sand was selected because it reduces washouts, provides excellent drainage and stays in place longer on steeper bunkers. Most Florida sand is round in shape and can create softer playing conditions within the bunkers due to its structure and ability to compact. The “G Angle” meets the USGA recommendations for bunker sand. This new sand, due to its varying angles, resists compaction and, as such, doesn’t allow the ball to sink into the profi le.

Members had been missing Camp Creek Golf Course since March, but there is no doubt that the reward was worth the wait. When playing a round now, it is like playing on a new course altogether. “We are excited about the results,” Mulvey concluded. “Members who have played the course have been enthusiastic, which was our objective from the outset, which is very rewarding. We can’t guarantee that it will up your game, but we can guarantee it will lift your spirits.”

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