JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A popular golf course that has been closed all summer has finally reopened.
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Friday at Windy Harbor Golf Club, after renovations that have been ongoing since March.
Many who came out, like Rita Hammerstad, couldn’t wait to tee off and see the sights.
“Sometimes you see the ships go by on the back nine,” said Hammerstad.
Eight Naval Station Mayport commanding officers did the honors of the ribbon-cutting and the first putt.
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“We come here as sailors on orders, but we retire here in the community because of how great this community is,” said Capt. Brian Binder, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Mayport.
All 18 holes had to be closed to complete the $940,000 renovation.
“We did a resurfacing of the greens and we fixed the drainage of the greenside bunkers,” said Barbara Harris, head golf professional at Windy Harbor. “So basically scraping the greens, putting the new soil in, and spreading them and letting them grow into their beautiful fullness they are in right now.”
Most of all, golfers say they miss the camaraderie of being out here on the course.
“Oh, it’s amazing. The ships are in, so we have a lot of military sailors here doing this with us. It is so great to see them get off, relax and just have a good time out there on the course,” said Hammerstad.
