Pipestem Golf Course Restores Original Vistas; Tree Replanting to Provide Aesthetic Variety

            PIPESTEM, W.Va. – Players at the Pipestem State Park golf courses this spring will notice new course improvements and improved viewing of the area’s natural wonders. One of the most noticeable involves the removal of some trees that were excessively shielding and shading greens and bunkers. Final holes of the 18-hole championship course also have been opened up to make the spectacular vista of Bluestone River Gorge more easily visible. Staff also cleared away several trees that had been brought down by winter storms.          

            “When the course and Pipestem State Park were first built in 1970, many of these trees were much smaller and were not a problem,” said Park Superintendent Dave Caplinger.  “In fact, the view from the #17 tee was once the best place to view the gorge at sunset. Over 40 years, those vistas disappeared and, in some cases, the course itself was negatively affected as the trees grew.  We’ve been able to restore the course’s original conditions in some respects and to reclaim that spectacular overlook.” 

            New trees are being planted to provide better screening and aesthetics between holes and to improve the health of the trees on the course by increasing the age variation. Park staff is also focusing on improving bunkers and reducing the time it takes to play.

            “One planned project is the construction of some new red or “ladies” tees, forward of their existing locations, to give the shorter hitters a chance to clear natural hazards such as ravines,” Caplinger said.  “We are even going to experiment with placing multiple cups on some of the greens to give players the option to hit to the nearest cup if they like.”

            Pipestem State Park is located in Summers County near Athens and Hinton. It boasts 27 holes of golf on two courses. The park offers lodge, cabin and camping for overnight consideration as well as restaurants, swimming, hiking, fishing and other recreation.  Season golf passes went on sale March 1 for the 2012 year.  Season passes include a “passport to fun’ booklet with added valued.  Golf packages and special daily play rates are posted online at www.pipestemresort.com or call 304-466-1800.