Course + Grounds

Angles

and Options

While the golf course renovations at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J. left the original Robert Trent Jones footprint intact, maintenance of the 27-hole property was a major consideration in the project.

By Betsy Gilliland, Contributing Editor

WHEN THE KORN FERRY TOUR adds a new tournament adds a new tournament to its schedule next year at the 27-hole Metedeconk Nati onal Golf to its schedule next year at the 27-hole Metedeconk Nati onal Golf Club in Jackson, N.J., the property will have a new look as well. Club in Jackson, N.J., the property will have a new look as well.

Although the pro golfers will compete for the Magnit ChampiAlthough the pro golfers will compete for the Magnit Championship ti tle on the property’s Tournament Course, which consists onship ti tle on the property’s Tournament Course, which consists of the fi rst and third nines, all 27 holes benefi ted from a 2 1/2of the fi rst and third nines, all 27 holes benefi ted from a 2 1/2year, $2.5 million bunker renovati on. The project, which began in the fall of 2019, was fi nished in the spring of 2022.

In additi on, renovati on of the tee boxes on the Tournament Course got underway in early November.

“The goal is to fi nish 18 holes this year and do the last nine holes next year,” says Golf Course Superintendent Andrew Mallick.

To bring the 35-year-old Robert Trent Jones Sr., design up to date, the property hired golf course architect Raymond Hearn date, the property hired golf course architect Raymond Hearn to renovate the course, which takes advantage of the natural to renovate the course, which takes advantage of the natural wilderness in the upper region of the New Jersey Pinelands. wilderness in the upper region of the New Jersey Pinelands. Inspired by the varied topography of the preserve, the original Inspired by the varied topography of the preserve, the original design featured tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers to maxdesign featured tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers to maximize accuracy, and Jones’ trademark subtly contoured greens. imize accuracy, and Jones’ trademark subtly contoured greens.

Extensive and multi ple tee boxes—another signature Jones feature—give the holes unlimited fl exibility. However, the aging of the bunkers, tees, and infrastructure prompted the renovati on project.

“We were going to renovate the bunkers, so we decided to hire an architect to take a look at the golf course,” says Director of Golf Brent Studer, PGA. “We rode around the golf course and saw things that would match golf today.”

General Manager Derek Kopp says it was important to maintain the original routing to keep the Robert Trent Jones look and feel.

BUNKERS, TEES, AND TREES

The bunkers had fallen into a state of disrepair since the course opened in 1987, and the property launched construction by building a test bunker in the fall of 2018.

Under the project, Mallick says, bunkers on the three golf courses were repositioned, reshaped, and resodded with the Better Billy method. With this type of bunker installation, liners are replaced with a manufactured binder to hold in place a gravel blanket.

The renovation also included approach and fairway expansions that contribute to the shot variety, adds Mallick.

“We worked on the relationship between the bunkers and greens complexes,” the superintendent says. “We did at least four acres of sod flipping throughout the golf course.”

General Manager Derek Kopp says the bunkers, which feature capes and bays, were pulled out of tree lines to create a better relationship with the greens and fairways. However, they still maintained their original routing to keep the Robert Trent Jones look and feel of the property.

“We didn’t change anything with regards to the routing,” says Kopp, who served as the Head Golf Professional at Metedeconk for almost three years before assuming the General Manager position in 2021.

The bunker renovation also opened up views on some holes and widened landing areas on other holes.

“We pushed some bunkers back and moved some in the fairways to give golfers more options, angles, and shot value,” notes Studer.

Depending on their length and abilities, Kopp reveals, golfers can land their balls short of the bunkers or carry them easily.

“Bunkers are less penal for the average player and more in play for better players,” he adds.

With the addition of six to eight more yards to the front edge of the greens, Studer says, the average player now can hit a bump-and-run or an aerial shot.

As part of the tee complex renovations, the free-form design is being replaced with squared-off, long, expansive runway tees.

“We’re updating the turf variety to a full bent stand and putting in new drainage,” notes Mallick.

While the tees previously consisted of a bentgrass/poa mix, the complexes now will feature a Penn trio of bentgrasses. “It’s a strong variety that has withstood the test of time,” Mallick says.

The renovation project also has allowed Metedeconk to address its aging drainage and irrigation infrastructure.

“We’re replacing the irrigation system as we go within the existing footprint of irrigation,” notes Mallick. “We’re putting in new irrigation in and around certain tees. In 2009, 70% of the irrigation system was updated with the exception of seven holes. That’s where the majority of the irrigation upgrades are going now.”

Golf Scorecard

METEDECONK NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Club Website: www.metedeconk.org No. of Holes: 27 Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr./ Roger Rulewich Type: Private No. of Members: 472 Year Opened: 1987 Golf Season: March 15-December 15 Annual Rounds of Golf: 17,500 Fairways: L90 bentgrass Greens: 007, A-1, A-4 bentgrass

Maintenance staff members also have contributed to the irrigation improvements, and Mallick believes their efforts have given them more ownership of their work.

“All of the major excavating was contracted out, but all of the irrigation upgrades, rerouting, and improvements were completed in-house,” he says. “Everything we’ve done has been successful. I think they take a lot of pride in their achievement.”

As part of the renovation, the property also underwent substantial, but selective, tree removal to increase air flow and sunlight on the greens.

“We started on the greens surrounds, and we’ve moved to other areas for safety reasons and agronomic reasons,” says Mallick.

“Everything needed to be done,” Studer adds. “It was past its lifespan.”

The 600-acre property also has broken ground on a four-bay performance center on its 55-acre practice area. The new facility is slated for completion by April.

One of the bays will offer year-round club fitting services; two bays will feature indoor/outdoor hitting; and the fourth will be a teaching bay.

LESS MAINTENANCE, MORE PLAYABILITY

While the golf course changes have brought the three nines into the 21st century, the renovations have influenced golf course maintenance as well.

For instance, Mallick reports, the elimination of a couple of unnecessary bunkers has cut down on bunker maintenance.

The gravel layers and geo-textile liners of the new bunkers also allow stormwater to reach the drain lines without bringing sand with it, minimizing sand erosion and sand contamination from native soils during heavy rainstorms.

In addition, Mallick says improvements to the irrigation system have “helped out significantly during a drought-y season.”

Because the golf course is situated on a large property with a lot of growing environments and soil conditions, notes Mallick, the grounds crew does a lot of sectional maintenance to address the different needs of different areas.

Some parts of the golf course get early sun, he says, while others get late sun. Other areas receive more pressure from the wind.

The grounds crew also keeps the environment in mind when tending to the golf course.

“In the past five years, we’ve done a lot of controlled burns,” says Mallick. “It helps with animal habitats and natural plants that grow in the woods.”

After all, the nearby marsh and lowland pine forest throughout the property allow the occasional deer, fox, muskrat, or circling hawk to join golfers on their rounds.

Since the renovations, however, golfers can get much more out of their rounds besides a trip around the course with the local animal population. It really has the Robert Trent Jones flavor.

“It’s a much more interesting golf course,” Studer says. “We have much more variety, and it allows the average golfer a little more playability. We have changed the golf course for low handicappers or professionals. The average player has more options and angles from the tees.”

While this season marked the first full year of the renovations, he adds, the feedback from the members has been positive.

“They love that it still looks and feels like an RTJ, but it’s in better condition with better aesthetics,” says Studer. “The bunkers have jagged edges, and there are fescue eyebrows on the golf course.”

Superintendent Profile ANDREW MALLICK

Education and Training: Associate of Science in Turfgrass Management, UMass Amherst Years at Metedeconk National Golf Club: 9 Years in the Golf Course Maintenance Business: 22 Previous Employment: Southward Ho Country Club, Bay Shore, N.Y., 20092013; Country Club of Darien (Conn.), 2007-2009; Pine Valley (N.J.) Golf Club, 2004-2007; Stonybrook Golf Course, Litchfield, Conn., 1999-2003 Certifications: GCSAA Class A Superintendent; 16-year member

ALL-IN TEAM EFFORT

In large part, the end results of the renovations were a culmination of the teamwork that went into the project.

Kopp and Studer looked at the changes from a golfer’s perspective – what it would look like and how it would impact play – with a golf professional’s eye. However, Kopp says, “There had to be a balance so that Andy could make decisions from an agronomic standpoint and consider maintenance practices. It was fun throughout the entire process to see the architect, contractors, and Andy in the field making decisions on how the renovations would affect golf course maintenance. There’s so much thought that goes into these decisions.”

While talking through changes, Kopp, who changed positions at the property midway through the renovation, also made sure the project stayed on track. He certainly had his work cut out for him.

“The first phase of the project was done in the winter of 2019-20, and we were impacted greatly by Covid,” notes Kopp. “We couldn’t get products or have workers on the course. Our architect was in Michigan.”

However, to work around the logistical issues, the property bought a drone to take aerial photos that Kopp would text to Hearn so he could make adjustments.

“We had to be creative to bring the work we had done to our architect for approval,” says Kopp. “Ray Hearn would mark up the pictures and send them back to us.”

Mallick’s duties throughout the project included organizing and staging equipment, staff, and materials; mapping irrigation improvements; and establishing seeds and sod. He made sure the construction team stayed on budget and on task to meet their timeline as well.

Golf Course Operations

Annual Budget: $3,172,776

Staff: 20 full-time, five part-time and 12 seasonal employees

Key Staff Members: Kyle Gigliello, Senior Assistant Superintendent (4 years at MNGC); Ted VanNess, Equipment Manager (9 years at MNGC)

Irrigation System: Toro Central Control; 2,500 heads, mix of Rain Bird and Toro

Water Source and Usage: Two wells and Metedeconk River; uses about 30 million gallons annually

Equipment: Full John Deere lease package including five fairway mowers, four tri-plex mowers, four 21-inch walk mowers, 14 18-inch walk mowers, eight ProGators, two 300-gallon sprayers, one 200-gallon sprayer, three rough mowers, four 36-inch trim mowers. Additionally own 10 Turf Gators, six Club Car “manager carts,” a 500-gallon hydroseeder, six John Deere tractors (model/ age varies), and many other items.

Maintenance Facility: The facility includes an assistant’s office with an irrigation computer and accommodates four assistant superintendents with workstations. The superintendent’s office also accommodates the senior assistant superintendent. The equipment manager’s shop includes two garage bays with one turf lift and office space for the equipment manager and assistant mechanic. The main shop includes a locker room, lunchroom, bathrooms, and a cold storage area to house all utility vehicles. An additional heated storage area is located adjacent to the main building.

Aerating and Overseeding Schedules: The course closes in the spring (last week of April) to perform core fairway aeration and greens DryJect aeration along with necessary fertilization. The course additionally closes the week after Labor Day to core aerate fairways, greens, approaches, and tees. Other cultivation practices are completed in season.

Upcoming Capital Projects: Currently in the process of rebuilding and irrigating 18 tee complexes. The 2023-24 season will include nine additional tee complexes and possibly 3,000 feet of bulkhead construction.

Director of Golf Brent Studer, PGA was hands-on throughout the renovation project, talking to the membership and getting them excited about what was taking place.

“We all definitely played a role,” says Mallick. “We met on a regular basis.”

Kopp and Studer also kept the membership up to date on the progress of the renovations.

“In close conjunction with the Board of Directors, we met with the architect and rode the golf course and prioritized all the changes that we were going to make,” says Studer. “I was more hands-on, talking to the membership and getting them excited about the project.”

He also helped determine where players would hit their drives, the location of fairway bunkers, and the landing areas for the average player.

“Ray Hearn used me as the playing eye to the golf course,” reports Studer. “Every time he was there, I was there.”

Kopp, Mallick and Studer held weekly meetings to discuss plans, and then they would go to the board to explain the issues.

Metedeconk sent out e-blasts about the project to the membership, as well.

“Throughout the renovations, we had some social media presence such as Instagram and Twitter to provide updates,” says Kopp. “We didn’t flood members with information, but from time to time, we’d send out an update.”

Many of the members live in New York City, the Jersey Shore, Princeton, N.J., or Philadelphia, and some live in Florida during the winter. However, even though the golf course is closed from mid-December until mid-May every year, those who lived nearby would make onsite visits to see the work that had been done.

“We’re fortunate to have a really good team,” says Kopp. “We’re all friendly outside of work. It was a full-on team effort between the three of us.”

BALANCING ACT

Their teamwork on the construction project was an extension of the teamwork they practice every day to keep golf course operations running smoothly.

“We’re making decisions. We’re pitching the golfer’s perspective,” says Kopp. “Andy is pitching the golf course perspective. We have to balance what golfers want versus what the maintenance team can provide.”

After all, nothing trumps golf at the facility.

“The golf course is our number one asset,” says Studer. “We care a lot about our golf course and practice facilities.”

Kopp agrees. “It’s our entire operation,” he explains. “Even food-and-beverage revolves around golf. We don’t have anything else. This is a destination club.”

And with the forward-thinking renovations at the property, including those that have been completed and others that could be coming, Metedeconk is prepared for the next 30 years. C+RB

I����� F��������

A Comfortable Seat

Product: The Jenkins Barstool Features: ▶ The Jenkins Barstool, by Eusti s Chair, has clean lines, plenty of back support, and an opti onal upholstered seat and back ▶ It off ers a contemporary design that is well-suited for banquet, restaurant, or member dining chairs ▶ Also available as a chair or a swivel barstool ▶ Every Eusti s Chair product is proudly made to order in the USA ▶ Contact the Eusti s Chair sales team at Eusti sChair.com to discuss your upcoming projects

Eustis Chair

www.Eusti sChair.com

A Step Up

Product: Luxe Upscale Nesti ng Chair by MTS Seati ng Features: ▶ Purposely designed with luxury in mind ▶ Tapered square back and supporti ve

COMFORT web seat ▶ Can nest 8 high for easy banquet operati ons ▶ Great for meeti ng space, restaurant or as a guest room side chair ▶ Opti onal retractable formed Ganger ▶ Opti onal integrated hand-hold

MTS Seating

mtsseati ng.com

ADVERTISER INDEX

AM DESIGN GROUP

239-631-8884 / www.amdesign-group.com

CORBY HALL

www.corbyhall.com

CRES COR

www.crescor.com

A��������

EUSTIS CHAIR

978-827-3103 / sales@eusti schair.com

Ready For A Ride

Product: JackRabbit: The Super Portable Micro eBike Made for Resorts Features: ▶ JackRabbit is the original ultraportable micro ebike ▶ The ebike off ers the perfect way to cruise around large resorts, because it’s just fast enough at 20 mph, and because it’s 24 pounds and can slim down to 7 inches wide ▶ The bike can tuck away easily in a hotel room, closet, or storage room ▶ JackRabbit’s #1 customers today are travelers,

RVs and yachters because the micro ebike can actually fi t in their toys ▶ Hotel staff love JackRabbit bikes, because they’re a much more aff ordable and 100% electric way to zip around large resorts vs. golf carts

JackRabbit

www.jackrabbit.bike

Keeping It Clean Product: Stainless Steel Wipes Dispenser Features: ▶ Att racti ve, high-quality wipe dispensing system for your club ▶ High capacity, built-in trash receptacle at the bott om ▶ Large stability base and sturdy constructi on ▶ Wipes pail included

Tri-C Club Supply Inc. ~ Duffy’s

FORETEES

sales@foretees.com / www.foretees.com

JBD/JGA DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE 37 401-721-0977 / Pcafaro@JBDandJGA.com

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE

www.KKandW.com / ClubLeadershipAlliance.com

LANDMARK GOLF COURSE PRODUCTS

888-337-7677 / www.Rinowood.com

PEACOCK + LEWIS AIA 48 www.peacockandlewis.com

PERENNIALS FABRICS 3 www.perennialsfabrics.com

PCR ADVERTISING 11 800-875-3072 / mediakit.privatecommuniti es.com

SIERRA NEVADA HOSPITALITY

800-969-0999 / garyplatt .com/hospitality TRI-C CLUB SUPPLY INC. ~ DUFFY’S 25 www.Duff ysTriC.com THE VERDIN COMPANY 2 800-543-0488 / www.verdin.com

YAMAHA

IDEAEXCHANGE

A Creative Approach To A Round Of Golf

By Phil Keren, Associate Editor

Kevin Kennedy, General Manager of Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Fla., says his facility’s new course will pay tribute to the area’s mining history.

IMAGINE PLAYING A ROUND of golf with just four clubs in your bag. How about playing a Par 3 hole using only your putter?

These ideas are at the heart of a short course — called The Chain — that is planned for construction next year at Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Fla.

Streamsong already has three traditional 18-hole courses: Streamsong Blue, Streamsong Red and Streamsong Black. Facility leaders hope the six-hole and 12-hole loops envisioned at The Chain will offer golfers a post-round diversion that is creative and a little bit adventurous.

“It’s a really great addition to Streamsong, and very necessary for our customers that fly in in the afternoon and want to play some golf,” says Kevin Kennedy, General Manager of Streamsong Resort. “People that play will be able to get this great round of golf with their buddies in about 2 to 2 ½ hours vs. 4 ½ hours.”

Golfers will only need to make tee times if they want to play 18 holes on the course that will measure just under 3,000 yards. The lengths of the holes will range from 90 to 275 yards.

Coore and Crenshaw — led by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw — is under contract to design the project.

“We invited Bill Coore to come out,” Kennedy says. “He…walked the space with us and really loved what he saw.”

Kennedy says he and his staff initially talked about setting up an 11-hole course. When Coore asked if they were restricted to that number, Kennedy said they were open to other choices. Coore’s team then designed an initial routing plan for The Chain.

“The first [six holes]...anybody can...play at all skill levels and be able to get around,” Kennedy explains. “The second 12, it’s going to take a little bit more skill to get around.”

The first six holes are, Kennedy says, “really pretty holes. The fourth hole goes over water from the 145-yard tee, and...the forward tee is about 70 yards [with] no water and you can putt it the whole way there.”

The Chain will not have some of the traditional features of a golf course. There will not be a designated par on any of the holes. Doing this, Kennedy says, allows players to create their own games with friends rather than following the typical routine of a golf round.

“You might say, ‘you can only bring a pitching wedge and a putter this round,’” Kennedy says. “It’s just a lot more fun for the creativity of the golfer.”

There will just be yardage markers for the front and back of the teeing ground. This set-up provides a golfer with another chance to exercise a little creativity.

“You just play golf anywhere between [the front and back tee markers],” Kennedy says. “There might be 50 yards of teeing ground and you just say, ‘I won the hole. We’re going to play from here.’”

A lot of golfers, Kennedy says, enjoy coming to “destination” sites such as Streamsong Resort.

“Some people will play 18 [holes] and then still want to play some more golf, but walking another 18 holes is a challenge,” Kennedy says. “[The Chain] is a great option for people who want to continue to play after they played their morning round.”

The site will also offer two 18-hole putting courses on 2.4 acres and feature an object that pays tribute to the area’s mining history.

Streamsong’s land has been owned by The Mosaic Company for more than 50 years. Mosaic owned The Payne Creek Mine, which operated on the property from the 1960s to the mid-1990s, and produced 60 million tons of finished phosphate fertilizer.

The Streamsong Resort opened to the public in January 2013.

Separating the two putting courses will be a 70-foot by 40-foot, 25-ton bucket that was once used for mining phosphate on this property. As resort officials walked the site with Coore, they found some old chain links that were used for the mining process.

Kennedy says everyone touring the site felt that naming the course The Chain “would be a great homage to the Mosaic mining that created all of the land that we’re on.”

Streamsong officials hope to start construction in February or March 2023, and possibly open for play by the end of 2023, according to Kennedy.