Probing the past shortens hole for Dalhousie patrons

As it builds for the future, the Prestwick Plantation development group is keeping its eyes open for the past.

That's why golfers at Dalhousie Golf Club are confronted with a par 3 on the ninth hole instead of the par 4 shown on the scorecard.

The hole, which will eventually play as long as 446 yards, contains one of the 20 to 30 sites of possible archeological significance on the 900-acre property being developed by Prestwick Plantation. While the back tee box has been constructed, the ownership is waiting for archeological work to be completed on the hole before building further tee boxes. Since opening -- and until the archeological work is completed -- the hole has been playing as a 175-yard par 3.

The work is part of an ongoing effort to preserve any history on the land, which had previously been one of the largest pieces of property in the country to be owned by the same family for more than 200 years.

The golf course, which will eventually consist of 27 holes, is the first step of an overall development project that will include upscale homes, condominiums and cottages.

Before beginning construction of the golf course more than two years ago, Prestwick Plantation began working with the State Historic Preservation Office, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and hired Archeological Research Inc. to help uncover any possible historical artifacts before the land was disturbed.

"You only get one chance to save something and everything we've done so far has been very methodical, very well thought out and done the right way," said Cord Dombrowski, a partner in Prestwick Plantation.

The archeologists designated locations of high probability where they thought Indians or early settlers might have been attracted, and other areas of special interest. They also observed the moving of dirt during the course's construction by Ryan Golf.

"This wasn't a requirement," Dombrowski said. "It just folds into the whole scheme of what we're doing out there in terms of being acheologically sensitive as well as environmentally sensitive."

Dombrowski said several artifacts-- arrowheads, tools, native stones, remnants of cisterns, plates and bowls --have been found over the past 18 months.

"It's all very interesting stuff," Dombrowski said. "We're saving absolutely everything that comes out of the ground and it will take some time for the proper professionals to restore these artifacts and document the proper history. Those will all be made available to the general public at the community center once we get it going."

Thus far, no earth-shattering finds.

"There's nothing that they need to report to the Smithsonian," Dombrowski said with a laugh.

Dombrowski added that he expects the digging on No. 9 to be completed within the next 60 days, which will be followed by the construction of the four forward tee boxes.

After Labor Day, Dalhousie will have restricted tee times for non-members. The public will be allowed to reserve non-peak times, likely to be on weekdays and mid-afternoon to late afternoon on weekends.

Kimbeland C.C.

JACKSON, Mo. -- Vicki Long earned medalist at the Ladies Golf Association's weekly event.

Play of the day was 'Low Score on Odd Numbered Holes.' Flight winners were Barb Johnson (Championship), Dorothy Holland (A flight) and Janis Gilbert (B flight).

Chip-A-Ways

Dee Johnson shot a 37 on the front nine at Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course to win "A" flight at the Chip-A-Ways weekly event.

Carol Brown finished first in "B" flight while Joann Williams won play of the day -- Closest to the Pin on No. 8. Deanna Peterman and Lil Angle tied for the low-putt total.