Message from Kevin Aldridge | Summer 2025 Golf Course Update

Hello to all our customers,

I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your words of encouragement this spring. It has meant a great deal to my family and our staff and has truly helped us turn the corner as we put the pieces back together.

You all know about the fire, but many of you may not know that about a month later, Craig’s wife, Tamara, faced some serious medical issues. Craig has been by her side, and I am so happy to report that she is making a miraculous recovery. The doctors are stunned, and we couldn't be more pleased. For those who know Tamara, you know that if anyone can do it, she can. If you are visiting, unfortunately, Tamara won't be present as she and Craig are focused on her recovery.

On the topic of the clubhouse, I’m excited to share that the design is well underway. Here’s a little teaser: we’re going to have a huge fireplace, and we’re expanding the patio a lot to make it a great place to hang out after a round of golf. Time is not on our side, but our design team and contractors are all golfers, so they understand the importance of timing. I’m hoping to get the building closed in before winter so we can continue the work inside. I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted on our progress.

I am incredibly pleased to report that the courses are really starting to come back into shape. All our hard work this spring has really started to show over the last two weeks. The greens on all three courses are very healthy and are putting well. Next year, we'll be in a position to increase their speed and firmness.

Our slit seeder has dramatically improved the fairways on The Gailes. It has also helped with our bear damage on Blackshire. Yes, on top of everything else, a black bear completely destroyed the fairways on holes #3 and #14. I have never seen such complete damage from an animal on any course; it was a huge mess. We've just completed the seeding on #14, and it should be completely grown in this fall, and #3 is just about back in shape.

I also have to apologize for the condition of the Wee Links; it has been horrible. Now that we have things under control on the three main courses, we will direct some attention to it. Everything will be seeded this fall, and it will be in good shape for next spring.

Now on to the fun stuff—bunkers on The Gailes! I have started to rebuild the sod revetted bunkers with astroturf and have completed both bunkers on #1. The fairway bunker is striking, and I won't lie, it is a "little" bit deeper than it used to be! You can still sort of see the flag, but getting the ball to the green will be an entirely different matter. I am going to do one bunker on #3 and I hope the bunker on #2 yet this year, but I want to see how they come through the winter before we go hog wild with them next year.

Once again, thank you for all the encouragement and well wishes. I am really looking forward to presenting a much-improved product next spring and continuing to make the courses better and better.

Sincerely,

Kevin Aldridge