I know some on here have posted positively in the past about the merits of Darkhorse, just north of Auburn in N. California above Sacramento. I got a call from a gentleman about a week ago saying he had just purchased the course and needs some help determining how best to go about getting the course back up to snuff. My connection is of course having worked for/with Keith Foster early on. I just returned from spending a few days on the course and with the new owner.
Needless to say, the condition of the course and all the related facilities was troubling to see. They may have had good intentions going in, but it's apparent the previous ownership (Asia Pacific Group) was in no position or chose to put little to nothing into the facility since acquiring it in 2002/3. I believe they also inherited the place after it had limped through the bad economy prior and was already hurting.
With this in mind the new owner immediately closed the course. The acquisition went really fast so any plans for an exact timeline is still being developed. Several of the things that need to be addressed include items where safety is a priority. With little to no resources, the small staff remaining at the course did a remarkable job keeping the place from completely falling apart. Turf wise, other than being a little weedy and lean, things aren't too bad tee to green. Somehow Ryan and his guys were able to keep the greens mostly Poa free and he credits a great support network of nearby Superintendents helping him along the way. Those of you that are superintendents on here would probably cry a little if you were to see the condition of the equipment they were limited with. It looked like a red iron graveyard.
I'll try to update things as we go.
Design changes really aren't called for, but of course the bunkers are a complete mess. This should allow us to do some nice things there when we get to them.