August 13, 2015 – Knoxville Municipal Golf Course and Whittle Springs Golf Course – owned by the City of Knoxville and managed by Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – showcased more than $1 million in enhancements to the popular and storied public-access properties with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 13 at 11 a.m.
Mayor Madeline Rogero, Parks and Recreation Director Joe Walsh, and Councilman George Wallace – the sitting Golf Course Advisory Committee Chairman – will be at Knoxville Municipal to partake in the celebration.
“The City of Knoxville joined forces with Billy Casper Golf to greatly enhance conditions at Knoxville Municipal and Whittle Springs,” says Walsh. “We are ecstatic with the work done; these courses are invaluable assets to the community at large and will be enjoyed by generations of families to come.”
Directing operations at Knoxville Municipal since 2007, BCG teamed with city officials to oversee the re-sodding and sprigging of fairways, re-surfacing of tee boxes, restoration of cart paths and acquisition of new golf carts. On-going renovations to four holes are scheduled for completion in the coming weeks.
Under BGC management since 2006, Whittle Springs has benefited from the city-led, complete cart path renovation. Course conditions are pristine from sprigging Bermuda grass into 12 fairways and re-sodding portions of seven tee boxes.
In addition, Whittle Springs golfers rave about the new, smooth putting surfaces due to conversion of greens to Champion Bermuda grass. Used on more than 550 courses in 16 states, the special strand is featured at Atlanta Athletic Club (Johns Creek, GA) and Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst, NC), host of the 2014 men’s and women’s U.S. Open Championships.
“Whittle Springs Golf Course has never been better,” says Rusty Howell, General Manager at Whittle Springs. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure loyal guests are met with high-quality conditions and the best possible experiences at the city’s first public golf course.”
About Knoxville Municipal Golf Course
Fifteen minutes west of downtown, Knoxville Municipal is known for its picturesque views and fun experiences for all ages and abilities. Designed by architect D.J. Devictor in 1984, the 6,413-yard, par-72, 18-hole layout meanders through rolling hills and wandering streams.
An inviting clubhouse sits at the crown of a large hill, includes a spacious back patio overlooking the 18th hole and is ideal for social gatherings. The golf shop is stocked with brand-name equipment and apparel while the menu at “The Deli at Knox Muni” features its signature “Famous Chili-Dog” and homemade sandwiches.
More information: www.golfknox.com, 865.691.7143.
About Whittle Springs Golf Course
Whittle Springs has undergone many incarnations over its 75-plus year history. With small, undulated greens and sloping Bermuda fairways, the 5,729-yard, par-70, 18-hole layout remains a classic test for all handicappers.
During its legendary past, Whittle Springs was part of a well-known resort with a grand hotel and swimming pool. The course hosted events highlighted by golf legends Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Dow Finsterwald.
A full-service golf shop and snack bar are popular among golfers at the turn and after their rounds.
More information: www.golfwhittlesprings.com, 865.525.1022.
About Billy Casper Golf
Founded more than 20 years ago in cooperation with the late golf legend Billy Casper, the company is the largest owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in the U.S. with more than 150 properties in 29 states. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia with regional offices across America, BCG specializes in course and property maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, food-and-beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management.
Company highlights include BCG Spectrum, BCG Private and BCG Select management solutions; Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group, the in-house golf-sport-lifestyle PR, strategy development, integrated marketing, social media and design firm; BCG Ventures featuring proprietary, innovate programs like the annual “World’s Largest Golf Outing,” Women on Course and Casper Labs, the testing ground for FootGolf, GolfBoard, Billy Casper Digital network and other programming which drive engagement.
More information: www.billycaspergolf.com, 703.761.1444.
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