Source: Sun Herald (Port Charlotte, Fla.)
Englewood, Fla. - Just months after opening last February, officials at the Pinemoor West Golf Course knew something was wrong.
Three months and 964 yards later, everything is perfect for Rotonda's newest golf course.
Ten holes at Pinemoor West were expanded over the summer, lengthening the course from a par 65 to a par 71. Several of the par 3 holes were turned into 330-yard, par 4 holes, said Andy Norman, general manager and head pro.
"Before, you'd play an easy side and then a really, really tough side," Norman said. "It's a better golf course now because it's consistent."
The grass is still as green as ever and the sand traps glow white. Ponds reflect the afternoon sun.
Bermuda grass makes up the fairways while tiff dwarf grass covers the putting greens.
Pinemoor West's holes range from a 170-yard par 4 to a 573-yard par 5.
Norman called it a risk/reward course. Bigger hitters can attempt to reach the greens in fewer strokes, but doglegs, trees and ponds all stand in their way.
"It has almost a private country club feel," Norman said, "like you're by yourself."
Most of the fairways are lined with pine trees. Water surrounds almost every hole.
And about a mile down the road sits a sister course, the nine-hole executive Pinemoor East. Pinemoor East is a par 36, 3,566-yard course.
Both Pinemoor West and East are nestled in Rotonda, a community already home to four golf courses. But Norman said their design and atmosphere will help draw a crowd of their own.
Pinemoor officials guarantee a round of golf in less than 4.5 hours and even have staff members to deliver carts and load golf bags.
"We're getting more and more people," Norman said. "You get a private feel, but you're at a public course."
Pinemoor West is located at 80 Club House Road.