University of Michigan Golf Course will have to resod the collars surrounding all 18 of its greens after vandals allegedly damaged the putting surfaces earlier his month.
Course officials said in an email Monday to the community and its membership that the resodding will start in early August and that the greens will have to be closed during the reconstruction. Course officials said in the email they will close between three and four greens at a time, and that temporary target greens will be installed in the interim. They said they expect the entire project to be done in two weeks, so by mid-August.
“At this time, we continue to monitor the health of the putting surfaces, and we are cautiously optimistic about their long-term recovery,” UM Golf Course officials said in an email Monday.
UM Golf Course was designed in the 1920s and opened in 1931.
“However, recovery on the collars around the greens has not been as promising.”
Course officials noticed in mid-July a strange discoloration on all of the greens at the historic course — so out of the blue and out of the ordinary, they quickly determined that “foul play” was to blame and reported it to campus police. Michigan’s Department of Public Safety continues to investigate it an “act of vandalism,” and has asked anyone with information to contact police at (734) 763-1131. UM Golf Course officials have deferred all reporters to UM police.
Course officials said in Monday’s email they will contact golfers who have scheduled tee times during the reconstruction window to offer possible rescheduling options.
UM Golf course, designed in the 1920s Alister MacKenzie of Augusta National Golf Club fame, opened in 1931, and is considered among the jewels of public golf in Washtenaw County. It is located across the street from Michigan Stadium, with the Big House a picturesque backdrop while standing on the elevated 18th tee box.
The course long has served as one of the prime parking and tailgating spots for football Saturdays in the fall.
“Thank you for your support and understanding,” UM Golf Course officials said in Monday’s email. “The outpouring of encouragement from our community, as well as those within the golf industry, has been deeply appreciated.”
tpaul@detroitnews.com
@tonypaul1984
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan Golf Course has to resod on all 18 holes after vandals struck