As many of you have probably already heard, after two years of preparation and anticipation, it was necessary to postpone this years Vermont Amateur Golf Tournament due to an unplayable golf course. The unrelenting rain and storms over the past few weeks altered our 18 hole landscape and made it impossible to play an enjoyable round of golf say nothing of host a challenging championship caliber tournament with any semblance of pride for what is typically one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the state. Still hopeful on Monday morning, the grounds crew was confronted with attempting to mow and prepare for the tournament, but in doing so experienced unmanageable conditions. Standing water, soaked fairways, and washed out cart paths did not allow for equipment use without causing damage. Hole by hole scrutiny and attempts at placing tees markers in appropriate locations to tailor shots in hopes of missing saturated areas proved fruitless. After a morning downpour and then again an afternoon soaking, it became evident that the golf course would just not be playable the following day. The decision to ultimately postpone the tournament was not made until nearly 5:30 on Monday evening. Every possible scenario for "carrying on" was discussed, considered and attempted (you may notice for example the next time you play, that a small tee was mowed down behind the second green to be used for hole #3 in an effort to alter the way the hole played to avoid plugged balls in the fairway making the hole a par 3). In the midst of discussions, in between downpours, it just became apparent to the Country Club of Barre staff that the course was unplayable, and given the extended weather forecast, would not recover to any acceptable degree overnight. It was also apparent that the course would sustain far too much damage if play was allowed, would not be in any condition to be maintained by mowers and equipment and would not be a true test of golf for the tournament participants. The decision to postpone was reluctantly made and agreed upon by all, the VGA (Vermont Golf Association), as well as the staff and board of CCB. Taking into consideration a heavy VGA schedule and CCB schedule, how long the course would need to recover (with some help from Mother Nature) along with the need to hold the tournament before many participants return to school, the reschedule dates of August 5th-7th were chosen.
The decision to postpone was certainly a difficult one for all parties concerned. Right up until the decision was made preparations by all were being made as if the tournament would occur. VGA officials and volunteers had hotel reservations (as well as some players I am sure!), the maintenance crew, pro shop and house staff had put in countless hours of preparation readying the club for the event. While the thought of revisiting all again in early August of course was not anyone's first choice, it was the right choice. With a few days having now past, "word on the street" and in the press has only been supportive and in agreement. The CCB staff has been thanked by many, members, officials and tournament participants for not only making the tough call but also for adjusting to such a difficult and unprecedented situation. I would like to extend special thanks to Roger and Colin. Their support, communication, willingness to adapt to whatever changes needed to be made and professionalism throughout have been outstanding. Many thanks again to the maintenance crew for doing what needed to be done, and their willingness to do it again! So with all that being said, "the show will go on", just a little later than anticipated.
Course Notes
Some two years ago an Amateur Tournament Committee was formed comprised of Dave Christy, Roger King, Tom Collins, Ken Geider, Scott Fitzgerald, Manny Villa, Eric Lajeunesse and myself. This committee met approximately six times to discuss course presentation and set up issues, new tee possibilities (resulting in the new tee construction on #1, #11 and #14), construction of a new scoreboard, volunteer recruitment (for course work prior to and during the event, beautification, parking and spotters), and as a result of discussions yardage verification was redone and all sprinkler heads now have new marker plates. Many thanks to all, I truly appreciated the opportunity for give and take presented with so many knowledgeable voices and am very proud of the accomplishments of this collaboration.
New Tee Hole #14
Fescue in new areas, just below the eleventh tee to protect the 10th hole from golfers using the 11th fairway for a better angle at the hole, and along the left side bank on hole seventeen to protect an errant tee shot from rolling into the woods effecting speed of play.
Rough Patch
Greenside on #10
The rough has been allowed to grow in several appropriate areas to penalize for poor shots.
In 1999, the last time the Vermont Amateur was held at the Country Club of Barre, the 72 hole winning score was 12 over. The golf course and windy conditions proved to be very challenging. This year, the goal was/is to present a challenging, but fair golf course with a hopeful winning score of around par. Perfect conditions would be firm ground, fast greens and turf on the dryer side. What will August 5th-7th bring? Only time will tell.
Trusty Sidekick - Maya
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