The Manchester, N.H., property officially opened all 18 holes today, unveiling new drainage and irrigation systems, paved golf cart paths, and seven new bridges. Tees have been added or enlarged, several large trees were removed to eliminate shading problems, and vegetation was planted to prevent erosion.

Derryfield Country Club in Manchester, N.H., officially opened all 18 holes today following a $3.5 million renovation project, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported.

“This has been a long time coming for our members and I’m as happy as anyone to see this day arrive,” said 20-year golf professional Mike Ryan. “When people come and see the work done to this course, they’ll agree with me that compared to just two years ago, this is a brand new golf course.”

Last year, the city hired Landscapes Unlimited from Lincoln, Neb., to do the work on the project, which included new drainage and irrigation systems, paved golf cart paths, and seven new bridges along with redesigned greens and fairways. Tees have been added or enlarged, several large trees were removed to eliminate shading problems, and vegetation was planted to prevent erosion, the Union Leader reported.

“Everything has passed the test,” said Ryan, including the course’s biggest program over the years, drainage. In the past after a large rainstorm, “You’d need a canoe just to get across the holes,” said Ryan.”That’s no longer the case.”

Members this season will see a 20% rate increase across the board from 2014, the last year the club operated as an 18-hole course.

“We did a study comparing our rates in 2016 to 14 other public courses in our area and we’re second only to Keene’s Bretwood (36-hole course),” said Ryan. “Our prices across the board are very affordable.”

Ryan said the number of memberships this season could rise to nearly 500. For the first time, Derryfield will host the NHPGA Pro Lady Championships, on July 5, and the NHGA Father-Son Tournament on August 2, the Union Leader reported.

Tee times through next Friday will be on a first-come, first-serve policy, the Union Leader reported.