The time has finally arrived — the Golden Ocala golf course is officially back open after 4.5 months of renovations! We’re talking mature grass, improved greens, never-before-seen additions and plenty of revamped play for all levels. Thanks to our members’ patience, this comprehensive project stands as a positive move during an otherwise dark pandemic. We’ve lived up to architect Ron Garl’s majestic course standards and exceeded the USGA’s expectations. So, without further ado, our crew welcomes YOU to autumn on the green!

Greens, Tees and Bunkers

All greens were rebuilt at six-inch depth, and contours were altered to enhance playability and reward well-played shots. And although the same type of grass was returned to the greens — TifEagle Bermuda — bunkers now have 2,000 tons of new sand, while new tee boxes can be found throughout the course.

The actual construction period ran for two months, starting with a total shutdown on May 3^rd. The assigned company updated all the greens and half the bunkers in May, and in June, the golf maintenance team renovated the other half of the bunkers and constructed the tees.

Renovations were completed just ahead of July 4^th weekend, and the remaining months were set aside for grass growth and maturation.

What everyone sees now is the first golf course renovation at Golden Ocala in 20 years and conditions set for optimum putting surfaces.

Project Specifics

Each hole on this championship green was renovated with best performance in mind:

• Hole One — Extended yardage and open corridor
• Hole Four — Inspired by a postage stamp, with shorter grass, bigger approach and increased character
• Hole Six — Defined upper tier and recaptured essence
• Hole Eight — New tee complex, similar to hole one, with an ability to space tees, create sharp, pin-able slope and call upon all levels of play
• Hole 11 — New tee box and improved surface

For more information from Superintendent Jack Creveling, please view the following videos on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/433818416 and https://vimeo.com/430688467. Please note, the golf course is currently open to all members, with to-be-determined guest access. Refer to our Weekly Gazette for updates.