Myrtle Beach City Council Approves Upgrades for Whispering Pines Golf Course

News Summary

The Myrtle Beach City Council has approved a $1.45 million renovation budget for the Whispering Pines Golf Course, set to begin in 2025. This 62-year-old course will receive major enhancements including new ultradwarf Bermudagrass greens, improved bunkers, and a new irrigation system to address long-standing water control issues. The project demonstrates the city’s commitment to enhancing the golfing experience while maintaining a cherished community asset.

Myrtle Beach City Council Greenlights Major Upgrades for Whispering Pines Golf Course

The beautiful city of Myrtle Beach is set to see some exciting changes at one of its beloved spots, the Whispering Pines Golf Course. The Myrtle Beach City Council has recently given the thumbs up to a generous renovation budget of $1.45 million aimed at revitalizing this 62-year-old gem, with plans to kick off the project in 2025.

Time for a Fresh Look

After more than six decades of service to the golfing community, Whispering Pines has decided it’s time to roll up its sleeves and invest in some much-needed upgrades. The renovations are designed to tackle a variety of areas, with the goal of enhancing the overall golfing experience.

What’s on the Agenda?

So, what exactly do these proposed renovations entail? Well, golfers can look forward to new greens featuring the cutting-edge Sunday ultradwarf Bermudagrass, all thanks to a modern no-till installation method. This means less disruption for the environment and a smoother surface for players. Additionally, the existing bunkers will get a makeover, as they haven’t seen renovations in quite some time. In a move that showcases the love for the course’s health, some trees will be removed to allow for optimal grass growth in shadier spots.

Moreover, the renovation project includes repaving the parking lot to ensure that arriving golfers have a smooth start to their day. Perhaps one of the most critical upgrades will be a brand-new irrigation system, aimed at addressing longstanding water control issues that have persisted since the course was taken under management. The entire vision is about creating a golf environment that meets contemporary standards and provides a top-tier experience.

A Little History

The Whispering Pines Golf Course has a rich history, having initially been constructed in 1962 by military personnel at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The layout underwent a significant redesign in 1986, giving it a nearly 6,800-yard, par-72 configuration. The city took ownership of the course in 1993 placing emphasis on environmental restoration, making it a cherished part of the community.

Solid Numbers

56,700 rounds, generating over $2.46 million in revenue. The city benefits from this too, receiving about $156,548 from the course. This recent surge in productivity is a notable increase from the previous fiscal year and indicates a promising trend from just 28,000 rounds played in 2014, when revenue was around $750,000.

Community First

Interestingly, it’s locals who keep this course alive, making up a staggering 71% of rounds played. For visiting golfers, the cost per round ranges from $13 to $30 more than that of locals, making it an attractive destination for both residents and travelers alike.

Planning for the Future

The timeline for the renovations carefully plots out the course’s closure; initial work such as tree removal and irrigation replacement will take place throughout the winter. However, players will see the course shuttered for an extended period from late May to potentially September 1 for the critical green and bunker renovations.

Creating a Modern Course

Since partnering with Atlantic Golf Management in 2014, Whispering Pines has worked hard under a mutually beneficial agreement with the city. Previous upgrades, amounting to $357,000, have set the stage for this more extensive rejuvenation. With plans aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure, the renovations are poised to significantly enhance the quality of golf at Whispering Pines.

In Conclusion

All in all, with official approval tucked away, the future looks bright for Whispering Pines Golf Course. This latest renovation effort demonstrates Myrtle Beach’s commitment to maintaining and improving its local treasures, ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy the thrill of the game on a rejuvenated course!

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Additional Resources

• On The Green Magazine
• Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google Search: Whispering Pines Golf Course Myrtle Beach
• WPDE News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
• WBTW News
• Google News: Whispering Pines Golf Course renovation