Welcome back members to another great season at Oakfield. We have been busy as of late moving through our phase #1 of our golf course improvement plan. With the opening of the golf course tomorrow, we want to give you an update on some temporary rules of play that will be in place due to the ongoing construction.
We have a number of areas that will be marked as GUR (ground under repair). These areas currently have increased watering on freshly placed sod that are left very wet and can be hazardous. Walking on these sodded areas can also cause damage to the work we are doing. Please read the below notes carefully and help us be successful with these projects.
Hole #1
We rebuilt the greenside bunker on the left side of the hole. The sod is currently knitting in place and awaiting its install of sand. Until the bunker is playable, it will be played as GUR (Ground Under Repair). The area is roped off and members are required to take relief from the area. The relief can be taken from the nearest point of relief, of course not nearer to the hole. A ball retriever is provided for anyone who enters the GUR area, please do not go into these roped off areas as you could damage the sod. Also, please do not remove the ball retriever from the hole, as the member behind you will need it.
Hole #2
We rebuilt the greenside bunker on the left side of the hole. The sod is currently knitting in place and awaiting its install of sand. Until the bunker is playable, it will be played as GUR (Ground Under Repair). The area is roped off and members are required to take relief from the area. The relief can be taken from the nearest point of relief, of course not nearer to the hole. A ball retriever is provided for anyone who enters the GUR area, please do not go into these roped off areas as you could damage the sod. Also, please do not remove the ball retriever from the hole, as the member behind you will need it.
Hole #4
The entire left side of the hole has been renovated to improve sunlight and airflow to the green site. The left side of the hole has been freshly sodded and is deemed a no play zone and members may not enter this area. If your ball ends up in this no-play zone, please take relief and move on. Don't use a golf ball that you are emotionally connected with.
The entire hole will be strictly cart path only for the time being. Exit points throughout this hole are very worn from heavy machinery and needs a break. Any member found to be off the cart path on this hole at anytime, will be subject to disciplinary actions, this includes blue flags. If a member is seen hitting off of the fresh sod, they will also be held accountable. If your ball travels over the fence, leave it and move on. If a member is unable to follow this simple rule, we recommend that you skip the hole.
We added a greenside bunker on the right side of the hole. The sod is currently knitting in place and awaiting its install of sand. Until the bunker is playable, it will be played as GUR (Ground Under Repair). The area is roped off and members are required to take relief from the area. The relief can be taken from the nearest point of relief, of course not nearer to the hole. A ball retriever is provided for anyone who enters the GUR area, please do not go into these roped off areas as you could damage the sod. Also, please do not remove the ball retriever from the hole, as the member behind you will need it.
Hole #7
The fairway bunker on the right side of the hole, has been removed. The sod is currently knitting in place. Until the area is playable, it will be played as GUR (Ground Under Repair). The area is roped off and members are required to take relief from the area. The relief can be taken from the nearest point of relief, of course not nearer to the hole. A ball retriever is provided for anyone who enters the GUR area, please do not go into these roped off areas as you could damage the sod. Also, please do not remove the ball retriever from the hole, as the member behind you will need it.
Hole #8
The fairway bunker on the right side of the hole, has been removed. The sod is currently knitting in place. Until the area is playable, it will be played as GUR (Ground Under Repair). The area is roped off and members are required to take relief from the area. The relief can be taken from the nearest point of relief, of course not nearer to the hole. A ball retriever is provided for anyone who enters the GUR area, please do not go into these roped off areas as you could damage the sod. Also, please do not remove the ball retriever from the hole, as the member behind you will need it.
Hole #12
This hole has 3 different construction points including new fairway bunkers and an area to the right of the green where a bunker was removed . The sod is currently knitting in place in all these areas. Until the area is playable, it will be played as GUR (Ground Under Repair). The areas are roped off and members are required to take relief from the area. The relief can be taken from the nearest point of relief, of course not nearer to the hole. A ball retriever is provided for anyone who enters the GUR area, please do not go into these roped off areas as you could damage the sod. Also, please do not remove the ball retriever from the hole, as the member behind you will need it.
If you cannot bear the thought of saying good buy to your golf ball, don't use it on this hole as some of these areas of GUR are large.
Hole #18
We have an active construction site on this hole due to rain delays. For the safety of the contractors and staff, this hole will be played as a par 3. Once you putt out on #17, please proceed to the designated teeing areas by following the directional signage up the right side of #18 fairway.
Ground Under Repair
All areas marked as GUR, are no enter zones. Members are not permitted to enter these areas at any time. A ball that enters any of these areas and cannot be retrieved, must be abandoned. Balls in these areas will be collected when possible and donated to the junior program.
Any area around the course that is not marked as GUR, but is obvious it should be, please take the relief and play it as GUR. We simply do not have enough signs or paint this time of the year and with the current construction projects. This includes areas of stump removal around the course. After cleanup from the hurricane in the fall, we have a lot of these areas.
We have an area behind #17 green that is currently being worked on as we suffered tree damage over the winter. This area will be receiving two new Oak trees that will be planted soon.
Guest Play
Our lottery system has seen a slightly lower utilization then what we originally expected for this time of the year. We will now be permitting guest play once each lottery system is processed. Guests will be denied in the lottery if it is over subscribed. Once the lottery is processed, members can book their guests.
Its important to note, that each member is responsible for educating their guests on what's happening at Oakfield, including the construction. We will not be offering any forms of discounts due to GUI. The guest rate will remain the same, and each member should inform their guest to manage expectations.
Lets Work Together
We are all looking forward to the finished results of these capital upgrades that will only improve our facilities.
It is important that we all remember, during these processes that the staff of the Club is working hard to make this happen. They are the ones who are doing the majority of the work, and they are doing their best to ensure that our projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.
So, while we may be frustrated by the inconveniences that come with major construction like this, please be kind and understanding to our staff. We are doing our best to make sure the project gets completed quickly and efficiently without any major interruption to your play. Your patience, kindness and understanding will show your support for them and our Club.
Thank you for your cooperation, and I can't wait to see you on the weekend.
Eric Tobin
General Manager
Comments