Join the Club by John Patrick: Slight summer bummer for public players

Powered by Bonaventure Discount Golf

The game of golf is hard enough without having to worry about finding a place to play.

When I moved here in the mid-1980s, there were a variety of places one could play, without belonging to a club.

When Jones Creek opened, those options improved. Then, when the River Golf Club opened, there was another option at my end of town.

Then, in 2018, Jones Creek closed. There have been several stories that the course may reopen, but nothing yet.

Then, this summer, two developments made playing public golf even harder. First, the River Club went private in June. The course, designed by Jim Fazio, opened 25 years ago and for 25 years was a great spot to play. It still is, if you are a member. I don't know many of the details. I understand the work they have put into the dining and lodging options are meaningful, but by going private, there was one less place to play this summer.

Then, there is Forest Hills. In June, the course decided to close for the summer to replace the greens. The course underwent an extensive renovation more than 20 years ago, and it was time for the greens to be replaced. The course is scheduled to reopen in October, depending on how the growth on the greens has progressed. By all indications, it has been going very well.

Having said that, there are still public opportunities for golf, whether it is out at Mount Vintage, the Patch (Augusta Municipal Golf Course), Belle Meade, or a little further out, places like Savannah Lakes, Pine Ridge, Persimmon Hill and more.

At a time when the game is seeing exceptional growth, especially with kids and females, it has been a bit of a setback to lose a couple of courses during the summer.

But fear not, Forest Hills will reopen this fall, better than ever. I understand the River Club is in great shape.

Besides, the weather in the coming weeks will be a welcome relief from the summertime heat.

Get out and play this fall.

John Patrick’s radio career began in Virginia in 1977 and over the course of nearly 50 years he has received numerous awards and nationwide recognition. To date, he has covered more than 40 Masters Tournaments and his Augusta Golf Show with John Patrick has been named the best radio golf show in the country on three different occasions. John is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America.