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Harwich golf committee weighs driving-range upgrades, trial of higher-density bunker sand
Summary
The Town of Harwich Golf Committee heard a director's report and discussed a set of proposed driving-range upgrades including a trial of higher-density bunker sand in the practice bunker, refurbishment of the T-line mat with possible permanent tee stations or plastic tee strips, and the costly back-netting options that face conservation limits. Staff will collect quotes and return options to the July agenda.
The Town of Harwich Golf Committee on Monday discussed potential upgrades to the driving range and practice bunker, asking staff to gather quotes for a trial of new materials and for possible mat refurbishment.
"The greens are running at about nine and a half on the stim meter," Director Roman said during his report, adding that superintendent Sean and his crew had done strong spring cleanup after storm damage. Roman proposed trying a higher-density bunker sand in the practice bunker ahead of a planned bunker renovation and said staff would announce a pilot and solicit member feedback if the committee approves.
Committee members flagged trade-offs between a full T-line replacement and targeted fixes. Roman said the company that installed the current T-line offered a cleaning/refurbishing service and the option to install permanent tee holders; alternatives discussed included adding a few permanent tee stations at the ends of the T-line or installing plastic tee strips like those used at Ocean Edge.
Some members worried that a few dedicated tee stations could create congestion and concentrate wear, while others said permanent tee holders would improve player experience by allowing tee-height adjustments. Roman said he would request cost estimates for cleaning, refurbishing with permanent tee holders, and full replacement and bring results back next month.
The committee also reviewed back-netting options. Roman said a six-foot-high net across the back of the range had previously been quoted at roughly $16,000 to $20,000 and noted conservation rules around a nearby vernal pool mean any change would need conservation approval. "I don't think the cost justifies the loss," Roman said, explaining staff's assessment that ball-recovery rates do not yet offset the installation expense.
No formal decision was made. The committee asked staff to collect written quotes and technical details on the sand, mat refurbishment, permanent tee options, and netting costs and to place the items again on the July agenda for further review.
