Dear Players and Homeowners,

During our short time of ownership, we have consistently strived to make the right improvements to the golf course, focusing on enhancing its playability and amenities.  We won some, and we regrettably lost some others. 

Our journey to soften the golf course began the moment we acquired it, implementing changes such as altering mowing patterns on selected fairways and most of the greens, as well as reversing the nines.  However, the bulk of our efforts to create a better playing experience took place in 2023.

The following are just some of the changes and improvements that were made in 2023, many of these changes were immediately noticeable, and others (no less important) are hidden from view.

• New Lithium Carts and Beverage Cart.
• New Mowers (Rough, Greens and Fairway).
• New Range Tractor and Ball Picker.
• New automatic Range Ball Machine.
• Extended and smoothed the Driving Range for better ball retrieval.
• Returned to 5 tee boxes in support of the USGA Forward Tees.
• Five ponds were flooded, and waterfalls are flowing.
• New point of sale software and improved tee time software.
• GPS tracking and AI software to improve the pace of play.
• Added new computers and POS terminals.
• Remodeled the course restrooms.
• Shaped, filled, and edged all 36 bunkers on the course.
• Cleared trees and brush in support of improved play and in support of the FireWise program.

We accomplished many things but know there are issues and challenges remaining.  We had problems with our water pumps, resulting in the unfortunate browning of certain areas, particularly the range, because the priority of this irrigation zone was the fairways.  Additionally, we failed to identify and address a disease that affected our greens, causing them to fall below their usual standards.

In retrospect, we should have more aggressively designated more areas on the course as ground under repair.  As a consequence, we understand that some lies were less than ideal, and we apologize for this oversight.  We successfully removed a significant rodent problem, but not before it disrupted play.  We now have a program to maintain the rodents, but we didn’t get it done fast enough.

We take full responsibility for these shortcomings.  We want River’s Edge to be a place where you can be proud to play.  Neglect leads to the rapid deterioration of various aspects of the course, unfortunately, restoring these aspects requires a significant amount of time.

This fall, and in the pre-season our focus is the shape, condition, and playability of our tees, fairways, and greens.   We hope the details in this commentary help you understand the actions we took, are taking, and the actions that need to be addressed.  We want you to know we are aware of most of the issues and are doing our best based on time and budget to correct them.