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.