University of Michigan Golf Course says it needs to close down its greens for repairs after an "unforeseen and highly unusual decline in the coloring of our putting surfaces."
News broke earlier in July that U-M Golf Course suspected foul play after the greens on the course suddenly became burnt looking and very discolored, with the course saying it is "working closely with our partners at the Department of Public Safety to complete a full investigation."
Then on Monday, July 27, the course announced that it will shut down between 3-4 greens at a time over the next couple weeks to resod all of the collars on the course. Golfers will still be let out on the course but will play to a temporary target green in the fairway on the holes that are being
closed.
That's the bad news.
The good news? While the collars need to be fixed, the greens themselves appear to be OK.
"At this time, we continue to monitor the health of the putting surfaces, and we are cautiously optimistic about their long-term recovery," U-M GC said in a statement.
U-M GC also thanked people for their support and patience as it dealt with the "unprecedented experience" for its team.
"The outpouring of encouragement from our community, as well as those within the golf industry, has been deeply appreciated.
The Free Press in 2022 ranked U-M the No. 1 public course in metro Detroit golf with the legendary design from Augusta National Golf Club architect Alister MacKenzie still holding up
U-M GC said if you have a tee time already scheduled during when the construction is going on, you will be contacted directly.
As for the investigation into the alleged foul play, U-M GC said in its release that the "University of Michigan Police Department continues its full investigation into this situation" and asked anyone with info to call 734-763-1131.
Andrew Birkle is an assistant sports editor for the Free Press. Contact him via email at abirkle@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: University of Michigan Golf Course to use temp greens after damage
