The "New Nine"

The most dramatic accomplishment for Carlowden in the last half century has to be the addition of nine new holes making Carlowden an 18-hole golf course. The New Nine”, as it is most often referred to, began as an idea that had surfaced many times in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Under the leadership of President Sam Vallenti survey work was done to determine the actual extent of land Carlowden owned. An architect from Rochester was employed to give advice and to determine the viability of the project. The “New Nine” committee chaired by Larry Costa, included the following: Bill Brown, Paul Cesario, Frank Avallone, Jim Wilton and Ben Renzi. They viewed aerial photos, walked through the woods, and drew up plans. Their vision inspired the Board to go ahead with the project in the fall of ‘89.
The strength of the leadership has to be commended. Jim Wilton assumed the presidency and the new challenge. His financial guidance and direction were Instrumental in the early going. Timber harvesting brought in precious dollars and the “roughed out” holes were an important first step. Paul Lyndecker was named as general contractor. Trees were often chosen to be cut or be saved by Larry Costa while sometimes riding on Lyndecker’s bulldozer.
The strength of the memberships also came to the front. With an austere budget the “do-it-ourselves” attitude was most necessary and welcome. The 2nd and 6th greens were largely constructed by the member volunteers and our crew- Pete and Rick Marolf and Mike Vargulick. Members came with their own tools and worked hard to develop the collective dream. Worker bees included names like John Foley, Jerry Metcalf, Dyer Phillips and Emil Michalik. Emil’s last full day was reportedly spent picking rocks from one of the new fairways.
Joan and Harold Jackson were often seen between the 2nd and 18th tee tending to flowers. Dave and Alma Price planted and weeded. Wes Rockwood and Jim Wilton wielded chainsaws, aiding them were many others too numerous to mention.
The “ribbon cutting” ceremony for the New Nine was in ‘91. Although still a “diamond in the rough” the New Nine was used in tournaments. Because there were no roughs one had to stay in the fairways in order to score well. Given the inconsistent grass on the fairways and the jungle-like roughs scores of 10 or 12 on a hole were not uncommon.
By the mid 90's roughs were cleaned out and grass was planted. Green fees revenue soared as the course matured. The idea that the New Nine would pay for itself was proven correct.