Numerous maintenance issues forced the Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center in Atlanta, Ga. to close in 2017. New greens and repairs to bridges, cart paths and the irrigation systems allowed the county-owned facility to reopen for limited play, with a grand opening scheduled for 2021.
In the fall of 2017, Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center in Atlanta, Ga. closed because of a number of maintenance problems, The DeKalb County Champion reported. Upkeep issues led to golfers and tennis players not wanting to use the facility because of such difficulties as improper drainage and failure to make needed repairs, according to Sugar Creek officials. With fewer users, money from user fees was not available to take care of the problems.
“The county had engaged a company to maintain and operate the course, but they eventually gave up,” explained David Flaherty, a Division Manager in DeKalb County’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural affairs.
Using $1 million in funding from the county’s special local option sales tax; $600,000 from the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau; and $574,000 from the DeKalb County general fund, an approximately $2.2 million renovation was undertaken to install new greens and repair bridges, cart paths and irrigation systems, The Champion reported. The center reopened in December 2019, but its problems weren’t over. The golf course closed again in March 2020 after erosion caused safety issues with the golf cart bridges.
Piles of large rocks were placed under the bridge supports then sprayed with concrete to control erosion, The Champion reported.
“Everything isn’t yet the way we would like it to be, but we’re very proud of where we are now,” Flaherty said. He pointed out that are still bare spots on the fairways where unwanted trees and vegetation had been cleared away. “We just have to wait for grass to grow back in some places. Also, we also want to do more work on the golf cart paths when money becomes available. It’s nice now, but a year from now it’s going to be really beautiful.”
The golf course reopened August 10 with temporary safety protocols in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Champion reported. The pro-shop is currently closed.
“It would be difficult to maintain social distancing with people walking about and shopping, so for right now it’s closed,” Flaherty said.
The restaurant is open, but for carry-out only. The dining area, which extends to a patio overlooking the course, is closed for the time being, The Champion reported. Patrons are required to wear masks inside the clubhouse and remain 6 feet from other patrons. Only one golfer may ride on a cart at a time unless they are members of the same household and tee times are 15 minutes apart. Staff and volunteers wear gloves and masks.
The 14-court tennis center—with 10 hard-surface courts and four clay courts—also has been upgraded, The Champion reported, but until the health crisis is over, only singles and doubles tennis matches may be played.
“We had several golf and tennis tournaments scheduled for this year that had to be canceled,” Flaherty said. “This is a regional facility and normally we are equipped to host fairly large tournaments, but of course all that—as well as lessons—has to be put on hold until the virus is under control.”
He told The Champion that some of the facilities will be available to rented for private parties once things return to normal.
“This really is a fantastic place for a golf course,” he said. “It’s away from residential areas and it’s easy to get to—and it’s just beautiful out here. You won’t find many municipal facilities that are this nice. There probably are privately owned clubs that are nicer, but people come here from all over the region because it’s a great facility with affordable fees. We have one of the largest driving ranges you’ll find anywhere.”
Flaherty told The Champion that the county is keeping Sugar Creek’s fees low until players are returning in greater numbers.
“Sugar Creek was closed for more than two years. We’re trying to get the word out that we’re open again. After that, we’ll probably ask the county to let us increase fees.”
Memberships, as well as day-use, are available on the golf courses, The Champion reported. The tennis facilities are rented for day use only.
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