Now for something completely different: Silver Oaks
By JEFF BERLINICKE
Published May 13, 2004
It's going to take a few months, but the facelift taking place at Silver Oaks Golf & Country Club is expected to give the course a whole new look by fall.
The Zephyrhills course is undergoing some tweaking that should make for a more challenging and player-friendly track by the time new ownership is expected to take over during the summer. The course already has a new manager, Brantley Smith, and the new leadership is ready to fund some major repairs.
Head professional Daryl Martin said regulars and first-timers will like what they see of the new design.
"We'll be able to have more tournaments and better conditions on the course," Martin said. "We'll have the best-shaped course in Pasco County by the time we're finished.
The course will remain open during the renovations, but there will be some minor inconveniences. The first green, for instance, is now a temporary one, while the refurbished green is being repaired. The first hole, however, will have a completely new dynamic to it by the end of summer. What used to be a short dogleg angled to the left will now be a straightaway par-5 with water on the right of the green, making it a risk-reward opening hole. The new green actually will be the former 16th green of the par-3 course that has been closed for lack of revenue.
The next major change will be at the 10th hole, which will now be a long par-5. There will be new tee boxes and, once again, water will come into play on approach shots.
Holes 7, 10, and 18 were flooded, and the greens were unplayable, so Martin said they are re-sprigging the greens. Also, the club is acknowledging inquiries by members by redesigning cart paths, including adding paths on all par-3s. The 18th green will be larger than before, Martin said, but less undulated after the restructuring.
In addition, Martin said the club is redesigning all of its sand traps.
Martin said the changes are all expected to be in place by the time the Zephyrhills Open rolls around Oct. 1-3. There will be an amateur event as well as a pro tournament. The annual event has been a springboard to greater success as evidenced by Ryuji Imada , who won his second tournament on the Nationwide Tour last week. Imada won the Zephyrhills event in 1993. There will be a $1,000 prize to the winner of the pro event this year.
Despite the changes, Silver Oaks is remaining open all summer with some minor inconveniences.
The first hole now has a temporary green while the new one is prepared, and there are other noticeable changes, but Martin said is will all be worthwhile once the renovation is complete.
"We can do this quickly and get it right," Martin said. "The course will be much better and worth the time and effort."
Up the road
River Ridge Golf & Country Club will host its Memorial Day Mixed Scramble on May 31. There will be an 8 a.m. shotgun start with a fee of $28 per person. A pool party will follow from 1-4 p.m.
The Jan Johnson Golf Academy summer junior program will begin at the Golden Run Ranch in Hudson on June 3. The class meets for practice every Thursday at 6 p.m. and plays every third Saturday. Cost is $200 per player. Call (727) 856-5585.
Junior Fox University will present its golf camp for youth ages 7-14 at Fox Hollow Golf Club throughout the month of June at Fox Hollow Golf Club. Each session includes instruction, range balls, video swing analysis, golf course experience and awards. Cost is $99 for Fox Hollow members, $19 for non-members. Call (727) 376-6333.
