J. DANIEL OPPENHEIMERWalk a mere twenty-five minutes from the South 40 and you’ll find 27 holes of beauty and pure bliss. I sure did. After a $12.8 million renovation project, the newly refurbished Norman K. Probstein Community Golf Course in Forest Park is nothing short of exquisite.
Scott Lanemann, the head professional of the course, attributes the immense improvement to the new double-row irrigation system and the dedicated maintenance of the three nine-hole courses: Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud. Redbud debuts this spring.
“The difference in the conditions is like night and day,” Lanemann said. “Everybody loves it.”
Designed by the Hale Irwins Company, the course now offers a full service eatery, Ruthie’s, as well as a brand new clubhouse. To enjoy the serene ambiance of the course, weekend rates are $21 for riding nine holes and $40 for riding eighteen. Or be like me; burn off that Center Court brunch, and save a considerable amount of cash by walking the course.
Playing during the week is substantially cheaper, and provides a unique way to relieve the stress and overwhelming anxiety from any disastrous test, miserable essay, or other academic catastrophe.
Paul Brackens, one of the marshals of the course, has been working and playing at the course for approximately eight years. He described the renovation as “a great transformation, one that exceeded my wildest expectations.” Watching the renovations, Brackens recalled that they required “bringing in heavy machinery, like they were building a highway.”
New irrigation pipes, additional sand traps, sodden fairways, and seeded roughs are some of the ingredients added to this rich course, which have been well received according to Brackens
I became well acquainted with these sand traps, lush roughs, and other hazards. The eighth hole, a 447-yard par five, was simply discouraging, as I lost three balls in three strokes. The ninth hole was equally treacherous, as my Titleist found its way into a pond, short of the green.
With three pars, six nightmares, and a Macanudo cigar, I completed my first experience on the beautiful Hawthorne course. Open throughout the year, except when snow covers the ground, the course is located on the corner of Skinker and Forsyth, across from Brookings Hall.