Power Ranch Golf Club, owned by Thompson Golf Group, is closing its doors from May 15 to early September to complete an ambitious renovation. Led by Gary Brawley Design, the project will culminate in new greens that are easier to maintain, provide expanded areas for pin locations and create a more enjoyable and playable experience. While the course will be closed, the practice facility and climate-controlled golf academy will still be available and Slate Bistro will be open with modified hours.
The current greens are original to the golf course, which was built in 1998. During initial construction, “push up greens” were installed, a more affordable option that consists of “pushing up” the native soil to create the shape and elevation of the green before adding a layer of sand and planting the grass. However, the continued maintenance of the “push up greens” has become overly difficult and expensive to manage.
The green and bunker renovation project will instead install United States Golf Association specified greens. The result will require less maintenance and allow for deeper root growth and more effective drainage, which reduces the possibility of disease and creates a more consistent surface.
“A high-quality putting surface is the most important part of the golfer’s experience and can leave a lasting impression about a facility,” shared Ryan Thompson, CEO of Thompson Golf Group and Power Ranch Golf Club.
Demolition on the back nine holes begins May 1, leaving the front nine open for play. On May 15, demolition will begin on the front nine, effectively closing the course for the remainder of the summer. The green surfaces will be stripped and dug to an average depth of 14 inches. The stripped dirt and “waste” will be used to reshape and shallow the current green side bunkers. The demo will also eliminate several fairway bunkers, expand tee box complexes and create other features on the golf course.
Following the month-long demolition, the new United States Golf Association greens construction will begin. The construction portion of the renovation is led by National Turf Inc., who have completed several projects at Power Ranch in the past year including a new practice putting green last summer and a pond bank restoration project last April. Finally, Power Ranch will replant the greens using a process called sprigging. Power Ranch will sprig the greens with TifEagle Bermuda grass, a species of grass ideal for hot and cold weather and overall playability.
“This is a long and intense process,” said Thompson. “But the improvements are worth it. We have a strong local following in the summer months, the new greens will greatly improve the experience compared to years past. We look forward to a September opening with a fresh look and the improved playability of new bunkers and excellent greens.”
Loyalty cardholders and passholders will have access to Longbow and Dove Valley Ranch, the other courses under Thompson Golf Group, with preferred pricing during specific times while Power Ranch is closed.
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