AERATION OF GREENS at Discovery Bay Golf Club near Port Townsend will result in some schedule adjustments for the venerable course.
A full-day closure is planned Tuesday, with the course’s front nine holes reopening Wednesday, Sept. 24, and all 18 holes back open for play on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the aeration project. They can stop by the golf shop or phone the course at 360-385-0704 to sign up.
Due to the aeration process, Discovery Bay will offer $10 rounds (plus tax) for adults from Wednesday, Sept. 24, through Wednesday, Oct. 1.
This final aeration of the season will continue to pay dividends for Discovery Bay golfers.
The Hurtado family, which took full control of the course last summer, purchased several pieces of equipment last fall that will be a big help toward a faster recovery for the aerated greens.
A new 648 Toro Procore aerator, which course management says is 75 percent faster than the previous model, will make smaller holes that grow back in a shorter time.
The course also acquired a John Deere ProGator cart with a Turfgo sand top-dresser attachment that allows maintenance staffers to apply a uniform layer of sand, leaving the greens smoother thanks to the use of a finer grain of sand than in years past.
Discovery Bay also will use the course’s riding roller to finish the process.
If the weather cooperates, course management believes the greens will be in the best shape they have ever been.
That’s a lofty goal, of course, but it seems consistent with the way the Hurtado family has approached the course and its operation.
Chapin Challenge
To honor long time member Vivian Chapin, who recently passed away, the Discovery Bay and Port Townsend Ladies clubs decided to call their first annual match play tournament the “Vivian Chapin Challenge Cup.”
Nine holes were played at Port Townsend on Sept. 2 and nine holes were played at Discovery Bay on Sept. 4.
Discovery Bay team won this year’s match by a score of 14-9.
Friends for Gina
A special fundraiser to help cancer patient Gina Valaske of Sequim, is planned for SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The four-person scramble format event will tee off with an 8 a.m. shotgun start.
Cost is $40 per player, plus an optional honey pot available for $10.
The fee includes a barbecue after play.
Fun activities for those who wish to attend and support Valaske but not golf are planned.
To get in the game, phone SkyRidge at 360-683-3673 or email
skyridgegc@olypen.com.
Bar hosts golf benefit
The Jefferson County Bar Association will host its second annual “It’s for the Kids” benefit golf tournament at Port Townsend Golf Club on Saturday.
The event raises funds for scholarships for Jefferson County high school students.
Members of the public are invited to play in the four-person scramble event which begins with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.
Fees are $30 per player, plus a $10 green fee for nonmembers of Port Townsend Golf Club.
The Jefferson County Bar Association is a not-for-profit association comprised of area attorneys.
Prizes include a chance at a Hole-in-One car sponsored by Price Ford, and a scooter sponsored by Gary’s Automotive.
To get in the game, phone Port Townsend Golf Club at 360-385-4547.
Save the date
The first Clallam County Veterans Charity Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for the Voices For Veterans group, is planned for Saturday, Oct. 11 at SunLand Golf and Country Club in Sequim.
I’ll have more information in next week’s column or phone SunLand general manager/head pro Tyler Sweet at 360-683-6800, ext. 12 or email
tyler@sunlandgolf.com.
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Golf columnist Michael Carman can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or pdngolf@gmail.com.