Pole Creek Golf Course Tees it up for Summer 2008
Pole Creek Golf Course officially opened at the weekend for “technically” its 26th summer amidst great excitement, woolly sweaters and ski hats. Why “technically”? Well, the first 9 holes were playable in 1983, but it was not until 1985 that all 18 were open and the course achieved the much touted accolade of “Best New Public Course in North America” awarded by Golf Digest. I probably don’t need to explain “woolly sweaters and ski hats”. At 8,600 feet, play during the last weekend of any May can offer up conditions more akin to a windswept links course in the Scottish Highlands in October.
The “great excitement” was provided by me, as I look forward to this event all winter long. In fact, the prospect of a summer of golf keeps me somewhat sane during the winter when there is insanity all around! Apparently, it was a real scramble to get the course opened on time. Due to the above-average snowfall this year and in particular the continued low temperatures during May, the lack of warmth has meant a delay in melt-off of snow, so there are still many brown patches waiting to “turn”.
However, this scenario won’t last long. In fact I, and many others who love playing this course, have more reason to look forward to this summer than in the past because of the concerted efforts of the “team” at Pole Creek to make the playing experience even better. This year, for the first time – due to the erratic and irregular melting patterns of past springs causing ice damage on the greens – the grounds crew manually cleared 22 of the 27 greens (the other 5 cleared naturally), and then covered all 27 greens with 35,000 square feet of tarp. This has ensured the greens have come through the winter unscathed, so summer will be spent nurturing existing turf to provide top-notch putting surfaces, instead of patching, repairing, re-sodding, re-seeding and playing “catch-up” in getting the greens into decent shape. Due to the shortness of our playing season up here, this has always been a frustrating exercise, and never truly accomplished even by the time winterization efforts roll around.
In addition, a further 2,000 pine trees killed by the infamous pine beetles, have been felled which – in addition to the 2,000 cut down last year – have helped change the playing landscape (and views) somewhat of many holes . Spraying efforts continue to have a good degree of success – I’m told that the course has about an 80% survival rate of trees sprayed, and some 7,000 trees were sprayed last year. Despite the loss of these trees, I don’t envisage my scores will come down as a result. You still gotta keep it on the fairway, hit the greens and make the putts. The loss of a bit of lumber doesn’t make Pole Creek a whole lot easier.
Furthermore, the 26 year-old irrigation system for the original 18 holes is in the course of being replaced this summer on a staggered basis. Long overdue – and I’m sure a relief to the grounds staff – this will bring operating standards for course maintenance into the 21st century, and bound to make a big difference in on-course quality.
With a new clubhouse due to break ground toward the end of this summer, and more cart-path paving budgeted for the Fall these are exciting times for those involved in Pole Creek Golf Course at administrative, operational and especially playing levels. Colorado Mountain Golf is a competitive climate, and locals, Front Range guests and destination golfers alike have a choice in this County. It’s a shame we (residents) won’t have more than the 4-5 months of golf to truly appreciate and benefit from the progress that has been made at the course for this season, but that’s one of the sacrifices we make for living here, isn’t it?
