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Franconia Golf Course, one of two municipally owned golf courses run by the city of Springfield, has undergone a complete facelift. The Dwight Road course was closed for the entire 2000 season so work could be completed. As soon as the weather cooperated Nugent Golf of Kissimee, FL began construction on several areas of the course. According to John Cirelli, golf course manager for the city of Springfield, "this project was long overdue, there really was no major improvements to the course except for the 15th hole in 1992." Improvements in 2000 were made on a hole by hole basis. Golfers were anxious to play the renovated course in the fall but the decision was made to keep the course closed to give all the newly planted grass a chance to take root.
Total cost of the project was $ 2.56 million. The city bonded out 1.56 million with the state adding a grant of $ 1 million. In addition to course renovations the clubhouse was painted and a new roof added.
On average over 40,000 rounds are played at Franconia GC each year. There is also a new golf course superintendent in Scott Pierce. Pierce, formerly of Westover CC will inherit a course far different than what we were used to. Mayor Albano pledged that before he leaves office Franconia GC would be like Augusta National. Not quite, but the course is on par with any course in Western Mass.
Some minor drainage problems on the second hole were taken care of as well as a newly constructed tee box. On the third hole, the area short of the green has been graded and completely reseeded. The cart path is now to the right of the green winding throughout the trees. It extends behind the fourth tee box and continues down the right side of the fairway. The fifth hole has a new sand trap short and right of the green. On number six, the tree belts on both sides have been cleared of low branches. The seventh fairway has also been graded and reseeded. A new cart path separates the seventh and sixth fairways and continues between the seventh green and the eleventh tee. The most extensive renovations are from the eleventh tee through the sixteenth hole. Golfers no longer have to deal with the eleventh fairway as "ground under repair." The whole area has been regraded to blend with the new twelfth hole. The twelfth hole has a complete new look, from tee to green nothing resembles the prior hole.
The fairway off the tee continues gradually downhill all the way to the stream, letting the long hitters take advantage of the par five. Some trees on the hill to the left of the old cart path, have been cleared extending the fairway. A small pond guards the front of the green. The green has been elevated and is now kidney shaped making your decision to go for the green in two much more difficult. The new tee box on thirteen has been brought down some ten to fifteen feet making the tee shot an uphill one. The fairway has been enlarged on both sides. Players will be happy with the fourteenth tee, as they no longer have to deal with the tree branches obstructing their shots. The trees have been trimmed back leaving an expanded tee area. Fifteen also has a new look, the trees on the right have been thinned out and in the fairway small mounds will make your approach to the green a challenge. A newly constructed tee box on sixteen will help all but the longest hitters. From the tee you will notice a trap short of the green, giving those long hitters an added obstacle.
All these changes will make Franconia GC the place to play in 2001. Franconia pro, Dan DiRico, is excited about the new improvements and says that, "things will be rather hectic in the beginning," and he hopes the newness will not wear off.
Will Veterans, the other city owned course, be next? According to John Cirelli, "nothing is planned but there has been talk of more changes. We have recently added an automated irrigation system and new cart paths. Veterans superintendent, Dino Frigo, did a great job of bringing back the third green."
At Franconia GC rates have increased slightly. Anyone looking to have their tournament or league at Franconia GC, should contact John Cirelli (787-6438) or Dan DiRico (734-9334). For more information and pictures of the new improvements log on to www.westernmassgolf.com. |
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