Evergreen Golf Course will remain a 17-hole game until at least next season.
The course’s 10th hole was washed out after being submerged in Bear Creek’s overflowing water during last September’s flooding. Denver Parks and Recreation communications specialist Angela Casias said the city must conduct a flood assessment required by Jefferson County before it can begin reconstructing the hole.
“If we do not get the assessment done by the end of August, we can’t start construction,” she said. “They’re not expecting to get the assessment done in time.”
The assessment will need to be approved by the county in order to get a construction permit. Jeffco planning and engineering supervisor Mike Schuster said it is a standard requirement that ensures proper drainage and structure on the floodplain to help mitigate future damage to the reconstructed hole.
Casias said they estimate the hole will be reconstructed by this time next year. Until then, the course has discounted its 18-hole play price to compensate for the missing 10th hole.
The city of Denver owns the course and took over its management last year after years of contracting it out. Casias said that the course has seen a drop in revenue and decreased attendance this year, but Denver is hoping its efforts toward better customer service and upgraded golf carts and turf equipment will change that.
“We’re investing a lot into the golf course, which we are hoping will translate to the customer,” she said.
Casias said Denver will install a new pedestrian and cart bridge in late summer and a new pump system to increase irrigation efficiency. It’s part of a bigger picture that includes engaging more than just the avid golfer.
“We’re looking for more opportunities to engage the community and get people interested in golf who are not regular players,” she said.
Reviews of the course since Denver has taken over have been mixed. Casias said Denver acknowledges Evergreen’s base of dedicated regular customers, too.
“Of course we love our regulars. Those are the people who are the backbone of our round of players,” she said.
“We want our regulars to be happy, and by doing that, we’re hoping that will bring in a new player who will come up from Denver and give it a try.”
Josie Klemaier: 303-954-2465, jklemaier@denverpost.com
