All Hail Grandfather Golf & Country Club

[Roger Wolfe]

I had the privilege of playing Grandfather today.  All I have to say is it was stunning.  I had always
heard it had too many trees and was extremely wet.  There were a lot of trees but I can't remember
any that came into play except for a few majestic, old hemlocks inside the cart path on several holes
and strategically guarding a par three on the front (I laughed at the "Hemlock Committee" in the newsletter
but now understand why it exists).

They received several inches of rain Friday night, Sunday night and Monday morning.  I expected a sloppy
mess (or course closure for that matter), but it was great.  I did find out that drainage had been their
number one project the past off season and they had spent hundred of thousands addressing it.  I experienced
casual water on only one fairway and was informed that it was on the drainage list for phase II.

So, for those of you who haven't been there this year.  They have managed to make perfection even "perfecter."
Have a great season everyone!!

PS.  It snowed in Michigan 10 days ago... click below for our Wed - Sun golf trip forecast.  We are on a mission from God.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/golf/tenday/USMI0829?role=

[Bart Bradley]

Roger:

I am glad that you enjoyed your day at Grandfather.  Yes, drainage and tree removal were major activities over the past off-season.  Full drainage improvements are in place on holes 1-4 with some other partial work on 6 and 10.  Holes 13 and 15 still need some substantial work but they are on the agenda for phase 2.

There are some additional changes in store for the future...but at least, the process is underway.

Thanks for posting...Did you have a favorite hole?  Favorite feature?  Least favorite hole?  Least favorite feature?

I hope that you didn't putt off too many greens.

Bart

[Ed Oden]

Bart, the changes made over the winter are visually subtle.  I'm willing to bet that many members and repeat guests won't even notice most of them.  But the impact on play is already dramatic even though the work so far has only been to a porton of the course.  The tree and bush removal has restored a critical margin for error that will surely mean more playability and less lost balls.  And the improved drainage has lead to firmer conditions on a historically wet course.  The club should be congratulated on the steps taken this off season.  Hopefully, they are a harbinger for even better things to come.  If so, an already outstanding course could become scary good.

Thanks again for last week!  My treat next time.

Ed

[Tim Gavrich]

Always heard good things about Grandfather G&CC.  One of my groupmates in my US Open qualifier is a fellow by the name of Brian Mulvin, who just graduated from the FSU PGM program, and he's going to be interning up there this summer and fall.  Nice guy.