A cupola is installed Wednesday on top of the renovated clubhouse at Hagerstown Greens at Hamilton Run golf course. The project should be completed by early May. (By Ric Dugan, Staff Photographer) |
Renovations to the clubhouse at Hagerstown Greens at Hamilton Run golf course should be completed by early May, Parks Superintendent Junior Mason said Wednesday.
Owned and operated by the city, the nine-hole public course on Cleveland Avenue will open to the public Saturday, March 17, weather permitting. A grand opening for the new and improved clubhouse is tentatively scheduled for noon Saturday, May 5, Mason said.
“This is long due,” he said. “We haven’t done anything to this (clubhouse) for 50 years. It was long due to upgrade it and make it into a real pro shop.”
Construction on the building, which was originally built in 1961, started in January. City workers recently finished most of the exterior improvements, including a new A-frame roof and energy-efficient windows and doors, thanks to the mild winter.
The interior is taking shape, featuring a large open area for tables and chairs, a pro shop desk and a staffed concessions area.
Mason said the concession stand menu will be minimal to start, but “it’s more than soda and candy (machines). That’s what it was before.”
The biggest improvement over the old clubhouse is that all the facilities will be located upstairs. A new deck has been constructed overlooking the course, offering a pleasant spot to view the links and enjoy nice summer days, Mason said.
Restrooms will also be upstairs rather than in the “dungeon-like” basement as before, he said.
As for the 66-acre, par 34 golf course, Mason said the department has conducted routine winter maintenance, and it’s in good shape for opening in March.
“We’re hoping to have more leagues here and golf tournaments,” he said.
The current cost for a round of golf is $14. No tee times are required, which is a benefit of a nine-hole course compared with an 18-hole course, Mason said.
Nine-round coupon books and memberships for Hagerstown residents will also be available.
“It’s a quick round of golf,” he said. “It’s quick, inexpensive and it’s a nice, challenging course.”
Mason said promotions and sponsorship giveaways are in the works leading up to the grand opening in May.
