An Update from Mike Yurigan
Spessard Holland
The irrigation project is on schedule to start on September 8th, 2026. The golf course will close for the last three weeks of September to allow the irrigation company to get a headstart on the main line. It’s our goal to get the entire system in by October 31st. As we did before at Habitat, we will close one to two holes a day during that time to do the greens loop. We will have a hybrid course during the month of October so you will be able to play a full 18 holes like we did previously at Habitat. This will give everyone a chance to see the construction while you play. We are going to fix the drainage issue on Holes 1, 5, 10, 13, and 17. The sump pumps you see on the golf course will be replaced with new pumps, new drain lines and our days of closing like we have experienced the last few days will go away forever, finger crossed. The new system along with a new pump station/wet well and new intake with two fertigation tanks will help take our Paradise by the Sea to a whole new level. The quality of the turf is great now, but this new system will allow us to use the fertilizer and chemicals in a much more efficient way.
The new pump station will be moved from the left side of number six tee to the east of the bathroom. All this construction will happen in the month of August but will only be a minor distraction for play around the teeing ground.
Also, the clubhouse will be getting a makeover with a new roof. The roof will be replaced on July 13th and 14th while we are closed for aerification, weather permitting.
The Habitat
Habitat continues to look great; we have had a lot of success with the new fertilizer called Command. It is very expensive but has allowed our dry areas on the back nine fairways and even some of our tee boxes to improve greatly. We are going to redo the back tee on number 2 and 5 also add a new tee box on Hole 7 for the orange tee players. We hope to have that done and complete by September 1. We are also going to fix drainage issues in a few spots. Some of the things we are doing will happen when we close on June 29th, 30th, and July 1st, for aerification. The roof at Habitat will be replaced during aerification. The dates we pick for the plugging of the greens is based on contractors, weather and other factors. The need for all this as many of you ask me is why! The main reason is to allow new growth to the roots and allow the ground to breathe after the winter has shut it down.
This past winter was historic with the freeze, but from that comes new life and we need to cultivate the ground and even talk to it some. Hopefully that will help in the scheme of things. When I was given this great opportunity to run the golf courses 8 years ago, I mentioned that my goal along with the staff would be to continue to improve the quality of the courses and to create a great atmosphere for you to enjoy. It is my hope that you will continue to support these two great courses and enjoy them as long as you can.
Thank you to everyone who helped in our Junior programs so far this summer along with the donations for the kids. I have a few pictures and videos I will try and post on the media pages. We have another round of camps coming up in July we have had 20 plus juniors come out. Big thanks to Steve, Jeff, Bela and the rest of the camp staff for all their efforts!
A special thanks to all the staff that gets up early and the ones who go home late. Without them we would not be able to open the doors or close them. With almost 100 staffers it is my honor to serve with them, each and every day!
Enjoy your July 4th weekend hope to see you at the courses!
Best regards,
Mike Yurigan
