Sprigging.
That’s what’s going on at the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course, which has been fully closed since mid-May for a $1.2 million renovation funded by the golf course, park bond funds and green fee increases.
“[On Thursday], crews began ‘sprigging’ approximately 12 acres of greens and approaches at the City of Wilmington’s municipal golf course,” said a bulletin from the city. “The sprigs, which are 3-6 inch grass stems, are hand-planted. Work to install about eight acres of sod around the bunkers and greens is also underway.
“In addition, sand will be added to the newly formed bunkers next week,” it said.
The overall renovation, scheduled for completion in the fall, is the first of its kind since the Donald Ross course was developed in the 1920s.
The project is doubling the size of the greens–a sign of how much they’ve shrunk over the years.
Playing fees increased by 35 percent as of July 1 to help fund the project. Another 10 percent increase is called for starting in July 2015.
A Wilmington resident who wants to play 18 holes on a weekday, without a cart, will pay $22.95 per round this fiscal year once the course reopens (with that rate effective through June 30, 2015). Weekend play will cost $27.
