2016 CAPITAL PRECIS- NORTH COURSE PROJECT
Problem: Since the 2008 renovation to the South, the North Course has been the focus of questions, comments and suggestions from members on how best to address perceived needs. The conversation consistently includes the following topics: playability (severity) and continuity of select greens; bunkerage, construction, and inconsistency; poorly designed and individually unplayable holes; a declining and ill-defined tree population, and a cart path system in much need of repair. Although it does not fall under the category of member comment, the needs of the aging Irrigation system must also be recognized and addressed.
Design: Although originally designed by Dick Wilson, the North has never been considered some of his better work. Additionally, several adjustments have been made to the golf course over the years. Original hole #2 was eliminated and hole #7 was added to replace it. When WCC acquired the orchard, Joe Lee was engaged to design and construct the #9 hole. Countless minor adjustments have occurred as well intended efforts of members and staff have attempted to address perceived deficiencies. Hole #18 of the North Course is almost unanimously considered the 36 th best golf hole on the property. Trees: The tree population, similar to the South Course has been overplanted and is now overgrown.The majority of trees are in an advanced condition of decline and are not a representation of native species that would be found in the Delaware Valley. As they have matured they have also restricted sight lines, vistas and are frequent competitors of turfgrass. Cart Paths: The overall condition and location of the back 9 cart paths of the North is unacceptable. They were originally constructed without significant foundation making them prone to continuous damage from freeze/thaw cycles, nor do they support any equipment much heavier than a golf cart. Additionally, they are just wide enough to accommodate a golf cart, but typical maintenance equipment will track over the edges causing a deterioration of the edges of the paths and adjacent turf. Irrigation: The current irrigation system is now entering its twenty seventh year of service since installation. Due to age the system, the cost to repair and maintain increase annually. Piping, irrigation heads and controllers all suffer from deterioration, distribute water inconsistently and have become technologically inferior. The condition of this system increases the potential for significant turf loss due to the increased likelihood of system failure.
Current Conditions: When evaluating the status of the North Course, every component that is essential to a quality golf course has challenges.
Greens: Some number of greens are either too severe in grade to maintain todays play demands, or areotherwise so dissimilar in physical character to the Wilson design that they fail to maintain continuity of design or playability. Many greens slope towards greenside bunkers which results in the frequent “wash-out” of these bunkers. Original construction of these greens are “push-up” greens. Two greens have been rebuilt (#1 and #7) to USGA specification. Grasses: The variety of grasses on the North Course tees, fairways and greens can be characterized as a mix of rye, blue, bent and poa with poa and bent making up the majority of turf. Years ago, the club engaged in an unsuccessful long-term overseeding program intent on diminishing the poa population and replacing it with the more desirable bent grass. This program was eventually abandoned when the effectiveness of poa elimination resulted in less than desirable playing conditions in the summer season. Bunkers: In their entirety, the North Course bunkers are very advanced in age, are substandard and diverse in their physical composition. As a result they are very challenging and expensive to maintain. Their playability is often criticized as inconsistent and unpredictable. In several instances, the location of fairway bunkers have become ineffective as the modern game has evolved.
7
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software