To the untrained eye, a diamond in the rough is unremarkable and lacks the “bling” necessary to really catch one’s attention. In the spring of 2004, Lake Powell National Golf Course was just such a gem, badly in need of buffing and polishing in order to bring out its dazzling brilliance.
The 18-hole, William Phillips-designed course in Page, Ariz., opened for play in September of 1995 and was heralded as a must play destination point for golfers coming to the canyon lands of northern Arizona. Sitting on a high mesa overlooking the Vermillion Cliffs, the Glen Canyon Dam and the blue waters of Lake Powell, the layout affords views from nearly every tee and green. Yet despite its setting and auspicious beginning, the course’s luster lay hidden beneath a dulling layer of neglect.
In May of 2004, the newly hired Director of Golf, Johnny Miles, a life member of the PGA, was faced with all 18 greens either totally gone or having sparse and patchy putting surfaces. Prior poor maintenance practices and inadequate aeration had allowed a black layer to build up, rendering it impossible for healthy roots to develop and penetrate the soil. In addition, the Penncross bentgrass greens had been consistently mowed too low. The combination of these two practices resulted in root zones that were either weak or non-existent.
Miles was no stranger to the difficulties and challenges of resurrecting a golf course out of shambles left by his predecessors. Twice before, at courses in Colorado and Tennessee, Miles’ can-do mind set, vision, and hard work brought about significant improvements both in terms of playing quality and aesthetics.
Miles hired a new superintendent in June of that year, Patrick Waymire.
“Patrick exuded the same vision, passion and enthusiasm I had for this facility.” Miles explains. The pair pooled their energy and expertise and began the transformation of the course from woeful into wonderful.
Since the golf season for northern Arizona was just beginning, it was imperative to initiate an immediate and aggressive plan to restore the putting surfaces to playing quality. The front nine of the golf course was closed and a deep, eight inch tine aeration was done in both directions on the greens, followed by a heavy top-dressing and over-seeding. Because of the transition zone in which Lake Powell National is located, the decision was made to use an L-93 bentgrass which is proven to be more disease tolerant and better suited for the region.
Due to the severe slope of a few of the greens, seed mats and tarps were employed in some areas to enhance germination. All the greens were fertilized and steadily watered over the next several weeks, and by mid-July the front nine was opened for play.
The process was repeated on the back nine which, overall, was in poorer condition than was the front. The black layer on greens 10 through 18 was much worse, thus presenting more of a challenge to restore them to playing condition. This go-around, however, Waymire was able to secure USGA grade sand for top-dressing the greens which enhanced the recovery. The back nine opened up for play right after Labor Day, giving Lake Powell National 20 totally refurbished greens, including two practice putting greens.
Although the prime focus, the dismal shape of the greens was just a portion of the overall task faced by Miles and Waymire as the facility had a myriad of other cosmetic as well as functional problems demanding attention. The height of the rough mower was raised in order to re-define and sculpt the fairways. Bunkers were cleaned of encroaching weeds and once again properly edged. Unkempt tees were refurbished, unused tees were resurrected, and new rookie tees were added.
Over the course of a year and a half, new equipment was brought in, such as a rotary slope mower and greens mower which have made significant differences in the look and enjoyment of the golf course. Problem areas were attended to, most specifically the slopping right side of number 14 fairway.
“Approximately 1500 tons of fill were used to raise that portion of the fairway up six to eight feet,” Waymire says. After grading, leveling and seeding, what was once a barren no-man’s land, is now lush, green fairway.
Another issue with maintaining the course was the fact that nearly 100 percent affluent water is used for irrigation. The pH factor was a dangerously high 10.5. This created two major problems. The high pH was detrimental to the turf and, it allowed algae to build up in the irrigation lines, clogging the heads and blocking water flow. Additionally, Waymire explaines, fertilizer, in order to be released into the soil, requires a lower pH and consequently the fertilizer that had been put down in the past had little effect. With the addition of a new sulphur burner, the pH was lowered to an ideal 6.5 to 7 – the visible results on the course were immediate and dramatic.
Wild flowers suitable for the area, such as cosmos, sunflower, Indian paintbrush, and native grasses were planted in strategic locals around the course and have added visual variety and colorful accent without conflicting with the natural setting. A tree program, although in its infancy, has already made significant impact throughout the course.
Of course all of this requires money, and the city budget for the golf course can only be stretched so far. To raise funds over and above what is in the annual budget, Miles initiated a “Friends of the Golf Course Tournament,” with proceeds going directly to beautification of the golf course. The four-person scramble is the first tournament of the year, held in April. The tournaments have proven to be very successful and with the monies raised three new aerators for ponds on the course have been purchased, the waterfall down the mesa on No. 1 fairway was restored, trees have been purchased and more wildflower seeds have been planted.
Recognizing an obligation to be a good steward of the earth, Lake Powell National has become a member of the Audubon Sanctuary Cooperative System with plans to further initiate ecologically friendly maintenance programs. Investigation into requirements to receive Arboretum status is also underway.
The clubhouse, too, was showing signs of neglect. The major staircase leading up to the clubhouse from the parking lot had been condemned. Thanks to the generosity, manpower and skill donated by the Navajo Generating Station/SRP, the stairs were redone and new carpeting on the stairs and entrance was installed. The flat roof of the Santa Fe-style clubhouse had multiple leaks, leading to areas of internal damage as well. All leaks were patched and the interior walls, where damaged, were resurfaced and painted.
The aging electric cart fleet was limping, and few carts could make it 36 holes (many had difficulty completing 18 holes). Miles purchased new batteries for the entire fleet, and then began replacing the oldest of the carts with new E-Z-GO carts. As of this spring, 54 new carts will have been purchased, providing 74 well maintained carts that can easily run for 54 holes if need be.
As important as resurrecting the physical status of the course was, Miles is adamant in his belief that the quintessential golfing experience begins and ends in the golf shop. Over the years the course had lost play and some major outings due to what was described as “bad experiences with the staff”.
“It is a priority of our staff to ensure that every person who enters the golf shop is greeted personally, extended every courtesy and experiences a great day at Lake Powell National,” Miles says.
Miles feels that too many courses rely on the “build it and they will come” attitude. However, referring to himself as the “P.T. Barnum of golf,” he recognizes how imperative a good marketing plan is to the success of any business.
The first order of business was redesigning the nondescript logo and creating a course signature that was both functional and attractive. Next, a multifaceted Web page was developed, integrating course information along with local attractions to entice golfers to stay and linger a bit longer in the community. Cooperation was courted with the local lodging facilities and most have agreed to partner in “Play & Stay” package promotions.
Quality merchandise from golf’s most recognized vendors was brought into the golf shop along with new, flexible display fixtures. Programs, such as a junior program, men’s and women’s leagues, club championships and tournaments were revived. In spite of only having nine holes opened during most of the 2004 season, play was up and rounds were increased over the previous year. In 2005, revenue increased between 10 and 18 percent per month over 2004, Miles reports.
How have the local players responded to the transformation? Most are in awe of how much has been accomplished in such a brief time. Once absent outings have returned, giving their experience at the course two very enthusiastic thumbs up, and look forward to a return visit, having eagerly re-booked.
The emerald expanse of Lake Powell National Golf Course sits in stark contrast to the red sandstone outcroppings in which it is set, and the course is visible for several miles upon approaching the town. This once lackluster gem of a course is now polished to a high sheen.
