Golf
New nine opened April, 2001
Course adds nine more holes
 The new nine holes have many features that Artesia golfers aren't accustomed to, like grass bunkers, slanted greens and thin fairways.  This new irrigation pond is used in watering the course.  The largest new fairway is only 40 yards across.  This pond is near one of the hardest new holes (number 6). "This hole is by far the toughest on the course. Besides the water hazard, grass and sand bunkers surround the green, making it almost impossible to land a clean shot," said golf pro Joe Smith. Building in the distance is a new restroom facility. |
 One of the shortest holes on the course. Approximately 100 yards from the tee. There is a catch, though. The fairway is totally down the left side, while the hole is straight ahead. Players have to drive the ball over the rough to get on the green.  New green  One of the new features is a grass bunker maze. It has a similar design to an old riverbed, and should cause problems for many golfers.  The old pond on the remaining nine holes is being redone. There will be a small island in the middle of it, with a lagoon type river surrounding the island. |
By Lance Crenshaw
Sports Editor
A new dawn of golf is in store for Artesians starting April 20. A dream that started up in 1950 finally has come to reality with the opening of the new nine holes at the Artesia Country Club.
The Country Club made plans to add the new course once the clubhouse was totally paid for.
The late Kevin Harper was the main pioneer that pushed for the new nine.
"Kevin really pushed to get the new nine...it's just too bad he didn't get to see the completion," said Country Club pro Joe Smith.
The new nine will be intermixed with the remaining nine holes to produce an impressive 18-hole course. The first two holes will remain the same, but hole number three will be on the new nine.
The front nine will contain five old holes, and four new ones. The back nine will be just the opposite: five new holes, and four old holes.
There are many impressive attributes to all of the new holes as well.
The toughest hole on the new course will be number 6. It's a 409-yard-long par 4 with a 32-foot green, front to back. But the hole is surrounded by grass and sand bunkers, and then there is the water hazard to the left side of the fairway.
Hole number five is one of the best looking holes on the course. The fairway is almost fully grown-in and the green is extravagant, with super difficult slopes
Hole number 15 was Harper's favorite hole in the plans before he passed away.
The hole is a par four, and is the shortest par 4 on the course, but it is super difficult. A maze of grass bunkers wind their way around the green.
The two new par fives on the course are positioned perfectly. The tee boxes face away from the out-of-bounds fenceline, giving the golfers a better chance to make par. The tee boxes face directly to the west though, and we all know what that means; a tough shot in the wind.
Green fees will remain the same for the entire 18 holes at $25. The cart fees will also stay the same ($10 plus tax).
It all gets started on April 20. Joe Smith will have Harper's bag on his cart, playing in memory of the man who made it all possible.
The Country Club will start taking tee times for members on April 17.
All in all, it will be an exciting day on the 20th. The course is somewhat of a marvel to look at, and should provide the golfers with difficulty and fun at the same time.
For any additional information concerning the new nine or the entire golf course, call Joe Smith at 746-6732.