After nearly three months behind closed gates, Jersey Meadow Golf Course is again open for business.
Head pro Sam Hewitt forwarded the good news just this week, noting that all 18 of the course's greens have been resodded with "Houston tolerant" Champions Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda grass. That's the same turf as on the greens at Cypress Lake GC, Champions GC and Longwood GC, all of which are known for top-notch putting surfaces.
"The main reason for the closing was for the renovation of the greens," said Hewitt. "Golf courses are only as good as their greens."
To get this major project under way, Hewitt, superintendent Trevor Ogden and the golf course advisory committee for the city of Jersey Village had to convince city leaders earlier this year that the course was a valuable asset to the community.
At a special town meeting on the subject, Hewitt said, "citizens overwhelmingly expressed their desire to keep and improve the golf course."
In addition to putting in new greens, Jersey Meadow also is undergoing full bunker restoration, regrading of its practice range, clubhouse remodeling, cart path repair and drainage improvement.
To celebrate the reopening, Hewitt is offering reduced greens fees through this weekend. Today and Thursday, you can play the course for just $ 12 including cart. The weekend rate, through Sept. 12, is $ 25. After that, it's back to regular rates, which are still a bargain.
Originally opened in the 1950s, Jersey Meadow GC is just off Texas 290 in northwest Houston. For more information, call Hewitt at 713-896-0900.
State mid-am on tap
Beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday, some of the state's top golfers will compete in the Texas Golf Association's 21st annual Mid-Am Championship at Cimarron Hills Country Club in Georgetown.
The 54-hole stroke-play event boasts a field that carries five past champions and 17 of the top 20 finishers from the 2003 Mid-Am. Among them are current points leader Terrence Miskell of New Braunfels, defending champion Mike Booker of The Woodlands, 2004 state Mid-Am Match Play champ Greg Martin and State Pub-Links title holder John Pierce.
TGA offers live scoring of the event at its Web site, txga.org. First-round pairings also are available there.
HAGA event at Longwood
The Houston Amateur Golf Association hosts a tournament Sunday at Longwood Golf Club. The event is set for an 8 a.m. shotgun start, and entry fee is $ 65.
HAGA conducts nearly three dozen competitions annually, and players' handicaps are based solely on scores shot in association events. That keeps the sandbaggers away and gives everyone a chance to win. Prizes are gift certificates at local golf shops, which can be accumulated during the season.
"Late in the year, you'll start seeing guys show up with new irons or new bags," said HAGA member Garry Brunson.
Source: The Houston Chronicle