FEATURE STORY

Crown Park turns it around with new layout

Homespun course to sport two full practice holes

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

LONGS, S.C. (Nov. 10, 2003) - Give Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio or some other "big name" architectural firm one year and a couple million dollars and you'll have one heck of a golf course by ribbon cutting time.

Give a rookie course designer a tight project schedule and a shoestring budget and you're asking for trouble.

That's exactly what happened at Crown Park three years ago when owner Charles Byers Jr. handed the design keys to his son Robbie. Both Byers' intentions were good - build a playable, straightforward golf course on the cheap and pass the savings along to the customer.

"You know what, Robbie actually did a pretty good job," says Skip Corn, general manager of Classic Golf Group, Crown Park's management company. "Everybody was under a deadline to get the doors open and the cash flow going. They opened too early and the greens hadn't been grown in completely. That got things off on a bad foot."

Byers was still determined to put his best foot forward, however. The long-time Myrtle Beach area developer asked Corn to help find a superintendent capable of restoring and growing grass on Crown Park's 27-holes. Byers was so impressed with Corn's consulting skills, he ultimately approached the Classic Golf Group about managing the course.

"He asked me to re-evaluate the course and it was really bad," Corn says. "We had a wet, cold winter and the Bermuda grass just didn't come back. Everything that could have gone wrong for them, weatherwise, had gone wrong. We went to Mr. Byers and told him it would be painful, but here's what we need to do. He was awesome. He said let's do what we have to do."

The green-light provided, Corn and his crew rolled up their sleeves and went to work. They took the best two sets of nines and converted Crown Park into an 18-hole facility. They blew up a series of greens and rebuilt them, and sprigged the remaining greens with Tif Eagle Bermuda. Finally, they improved the course's drainage and irrigation and expanded the practice area.

The entire project took about nine weeks. Crown Park reopened in mid-September to rave reviews from local players and golf directors.

"It is amazing what they've done out there," says Derek O'Neill, director of marketing and sales for GVI Golf Links, a local golf package provider. "They've made it a good golf course at a great price and that's what this market needs."

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As of mid-November, Crown Park will also sport a unique element that could make it a hit with golfers in need of a quick warm-up or a playoff venue: two full length practice holes. The former first and ninth holes from the Emerald nine, both par 4s, will be available for play by paying customers.

"You'll be able to play 20 holes for the price of 18," Corn says.

Starting Nov. 16, a round of golf with cart at Crown Park is $39 in the morning and $34 in the afternoon. Rates drop again starting Dec. 1 to $38 and $28. Golfers can add a replay at nearby Black Bear, Crown Park's sister course, for between $15 and $25.

"For 36-holes, it is a great value," says O'Neill.

The Classic Golf Group has focused on value and service since rescuing a handful of courses from the defunct Links Group two years ago. The management company is comprised of the courses' original owners and has been fronted by Corn, formerly of the Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach, since April 2002.

In addition to Crown Park and Black Bear, Classic Golf Group courses include Burning Ridge, Indian Wells, International Club, Sea Gull, and Quail Creek. Since forming in the winter of 2002, the management group has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the cart paths, parking lots and clubhouses of its member courses. Classic Golf Group also oversaw a $1 million renovation at Indian Wells Golf Club in Surfside Beach.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.