Having a Field Day

Dalhousie Golf Club offers a sneak preview of the course and facilities today in an open-to-the-public Field Day.

Although construction is ongoing, it is far enough along to give members -- about 130 at present -- and visitors a clear idea of what to expect at the targeted opening next spring.

The first 18 holes of the Nicklaus-design 27-hole layout is nearing completion, with an additional nine holes scheduled to be ready by next fall. A state-of-the-art driving range, putting and chipping greens will be added, also.

Clubhouse construction is set to start in the spring, the final phase of the golf course project which began in August of 2000.

The 900-acre tract, located off Bloomfield Road in Cape Girardeau, will also include 600 home sites in a gated community called Prestwick Plantation.

In addition to viewing the course, visitors on Field Day will have an opportunity to ask questions of Jack Connell, director of golf, Rusty Fuller, curator of golf (course superintendent), and representatives of various companies involved in the construction process.

Connell, a golf professional at Cape Girardeau Country Club for the past 20 years, said, "I've been in this area all my life and I've seen golf courses built. The attention to detail and the ability to do what's right on a golf course has been here from the start and I'm sure will be here to the finish."

Scottish roots

The course derives its Scottish name from the Earl of Dalhousie, William Ramsey. Ramsey's sister Rebecca came to Southeast Missouri and married Alexander Giboney, who attained the property through Spanish land grants in the late 18th century. The golf course property was purchased from descendants of the Giboney-Houck family.

Dalhousie, which melds nicely into the natural landscape, features rolling fairways with fescue and broomsedge rough and about 72 grass and sand bunkers, all of which captures the Scottish links flavor.

A bit of deviation from the typical Scottish course is the presence of full-grown trees lining the ample zoysia fairways of Dalhousie. Tee areas are seeded with Princeville bent grass, while the greens are G-2 bent grass.

For tours, juniors

From the back tees the course plays 7,300 yards, while alternate tee locations put the yardage at 6,900, 6,500, 6,200 and 5,500.

"With four to five teeing areas on each hole, the golf course will be long enough to hold tour events, yet short enough for juniors and ladies to enjoy," said Connell.

Fuller, who has had stints as an assistant superintendent at Bellerive Country Club and Boone Valley Golf Club in the St. Louis area, heads a crew of about 20 workers.

Responsible not only for day-to-day maintenance, Fuller must also answer to environmental issues.

"Most of those questions have been addressed," he said. "We're going to be an Audubon-certified golf course and we're going to do different types of things that are native to the environment to help the animals and such. We're going to be doing all those things to enhance the beauty of the place and take care of the environment."

Dalhousie, even in its less-than-finished condition, is aesthetically pleasing and well-manicured.

"We see the potential to be a top-100 course over time," said Fuller, speaking of the national rankings several golf publications produce.

One particular highlight, as seen from the 15th green, is a magnificent valley view of the course surrounding three lakes created from a creek.

The 17,000 square-foot 18th green is certain to attract attention. The huge green measures about 90 yards in depth and will definitely present interesting options for players, depending on pin placements.

Shuttle buses will be provided for Field Day spectators to tour the grounds. Those taking the tour are being advised to park at the former 74 West Lumber Company, 1.5 miles west of Interstate 55 toward Dutchtown.

Anyone unable to attend can arrange a private tour by contacting Jack Connell at the Dalhousie sales office (332-0818) or cell phone (450-4151).