TheBrooklynInk takes a great little historical stroll down Flatbush Ave. The golf course even gets a mention, while describing Marine Park as “something almost rural, or, at least, an imaginative facsimile thereof.” I always appreciate settings which challenge the immediate context – rooftop gardens, riverboat casinos, underwater hotels. So being surrounded by green grass and open space but still within eyeshot of the city skyline is, in my opinion, a great thing.
Archive for May, 2009
Flatbush Fables
Monday, May 11th, 2009A pond grows in Brooklyn
Monday, May 11th, 2009
Noah only had to deal with two geese...
We began May with seven days of rain. It was a tough stretch, but a far cry from the NYC record of 17 consecutive days set in 1943 from May 6 through May 22. These biblical weather streaks may help sustain life, but they also complicate an already challenging game of golf. Our course has many low points where the water collects to form small ponds, stream systems, and fairway archipelagos. Many of you, despite perfectly straight drives, had to once or twice fish your ball from an unplanned water hazard. We realize that such conditions are unavoidable in low lying terrain so near to the shore, but we also want to protect the course and make it more resilient. This summer we’ll be doing a number of special drainage projects to move the water off the course, or at least away from the fairways and cart paths. Many of the problem areas can be addressed by digging trenches and creating a path for the water to flow over to Gerristen Creek. In other cases, we may even raise the grade so that the water will flow naturally away from the areas of play.
We very much want to continue to offer everyone the option to ride, despite the fact that carts can cause significant damage under such wet conditions. We ask all customers to help keep the course in shape by using good judgement and driving around, rather than through the puddles and ponds. Here’s to sunnier days ahead.
Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only food: frequently there must be a beverage.
Monday, May 4th, 2009
The most primitive of comforts
This Woody Allen truism was hammered home for us on our opening weekend. While thankfully there was no violence, there were several customers mildly surprised to learn they couldn’t yet buy food before or after their hard played round. Please remember that our food and beverage service will be available as soon as we have all the necessary permits from the powers that be. It could take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, so in the meantime please pack a snack before heading down to the course. We’ll also have complimentary bottles of water in the pro shop as long as they last, so while we may get hungry at least we’ll be properly hydrated.
On a related note, if you peer into the grill room you’ll notice sheetrock going up, new tile going down, and work happening all around the bar. We see this room as a key part of the improved Marine Park experience, whether it be for breakfast, a group meeting, or an afternoon beer. Stay tuned.
Well, opening weekend was a bit soggy, but went smoothly all things considered. Thanks to everyone who came out and put up with the elements and occasional cart shortage. Hope to see you again soon.