Jimmy Clay's changes play well with
golfers
Jimmy Clay's changes were a vast and
welcome improvement as ASGA members were able to see on Tuesday,
August 18th. The first change members were able to view
was the redesign of the cart path and surrounding area on hole #3
which allows the water to run off rather than sit on the path and
create mud holes. Next came the green changes to the par five 4th
hole which now has a gentle slope
up to the upper tier instead of the
abrupt rise in the middle of the green. The redesign also includes a
reconfiguration of the green which moved the huge sand trap that
guarded the left middle to the back as well as provide more fringe on
the back to slow down errant balls. |
| Travis McWhorter drops a putt on the new #5 hole |
One of the biggest changes was made on
the redesign of the par three, 5th hole. A green that had
previously been sloping away and hard to hold has been cut down in
front and sloped from front to back. The par four, 6th
hole, or island hole, underwent a major change that some golfers may
have failed to notice. The narrow walkway leading onto the green has
been widened considerably and that side of the front pond partially
filled in providing a gentle sloping area in which balls can now more
easily transverse.
The par five, 7th, has had
a green facelift as well. It is now a more contoured green offering
challenging putting opportunities. The next noticeable difference can
be seen at the 9th green. The formidable front bunker has
been eliminated with two smaller ones on the front sides installed as
replacements. The green has also been enlarged with a more front to
back slant. Finally, the 18th green has been changed
dramatically. The sharp incline to the front of the green has been
replaced by a long gentle slope while part of the front pond has been
filled in to provide more of a cushion between the green and the
water.
Other minor changes were also done but
mostly for maintenance reasons rather than cosmetic or player
convenience. All in all, the course is vastly improved and much more
enjoyable to play. It you haven't play it, you need to do so. You're
sure to have a good round.
