Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort in Cumberland, Md., – home to the state’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golf course – announced enhancements and additions for 2008. The resort has made improvements to the championship golf course, pro shop and other resort amenities.
The Nicklaus design, which features five sets of tees and stretches to 7,000 yards, is in the process of achieving complete certification from Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary. As part of this process, all native grass areas on the golf course will be designated as environmentally sensitive areas and will be marked with blue stakes and signage.
Superintendent Mark Jewell’s maintenance crews at Rocky Gap also will be walk mowing greens daily to create more consistent green speeds and improve overall greens appearance. They’ll install additional drainage to the course this spring, as well, to allow more days where guests can be off the cart paths.
In the Rocky Gap Pro Shop, Head Professional Rick Flowers will be carrying twice as many vendors as in the past and will increase inventory levels. The Pro Shop also will see upgraded wooden fixtures and displays. In addition, professional golf club fitting is now available for guests.
The practice facility will see plenty of activity in 2008, too, as Rocky Gap has increased instructional offerings. The resort will feature Tuesday evening golf clinics for women and a junior academy – a one-hour session for up to 30 junior golfers. These clinics will cover all aspects of the game including rules, proper etiquette, the golf swing, putting, sand play and much more. Flowers will give a 10-15 minute demonstration at the outset of each session, followed by one-on-one instruction and hitting range balls.
Guest suites and the Rocky Gap lobby also will see a great deal of enhancements in 2008, including new carpeting and drapes, flat screen high-definition televisions, new lighting fixtures, furniture, and coffee makers, according to general manager Tim Grambley.
Additionally, the resort has added stone fireplaces to enhance ambiance, while a new 3,000 square foot tent for special events will overlook Lake Habeeb with Evitts Mountain serving as the backdrop.
“At Rocky Gap, we continue to focus upon meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our guests,” Grambley says. “On and off the golf course, our staff works tirelessly to create a memorable experience here at the resort.”
For more information on Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort, call 800-724-0828.
