06/30/06
Floods hurt some local golf courses
FLOOD OF 2006
By Brendan Connarton
Contributing Writer
Many local golf courses have been affected by recent flash floods that hit Otsego and surrounding counties earlier this week, and some have no timetable as to when they will re-open.
"We have no idea," said Oneonta Country Club professional assistant A.J Majewski. "Right now the course is so far under water, it’s too hard to tell."
The OCC’s annual club championship, scheduled for this weekend, has been put on hold until the course dries. There is no rescheduled date for the tournament.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Courses such as the OCC, Ouleout Creek in Franklin, Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich and Cooperstown’s Leatherstocking Golf Course have suffered damages.
Ralph Sitts, owner of Ouleout Creek, said damages to the golf course look to exceed several thousands.
"There was damage to the tee boxes and debris all over the course," he said. "The water will go away, but the course will still be damaged."
Leatherstocking remains open with 15 playable holes. Club Pro Dan Spooner said holes 16, 17 and 18 are partially under water with the lake still at a high level.
"We will wait until the water recedes and see how the turf is at that point," he said. "This has definitely interfered with our business."
Spooner also said the recently postponed eighth-annual Dorretta Rich Memorial Golf Tournament has been rescheduled for July 31. The tournament, also known as the Hospice Celebrity Golf Classic, features many retired professional athletes.
The first Mary Jane Prindle Tournament at Canasawacta, which also benefits Hospice, has moved from today to July 7.
"Leagues have been postponed this week," Canasawacta club pro David Branham said. "The course is very wet. The creek couldn’t handle all of the water."
Branham said the course will be open to walk, but carts will not be allowed.
