Golfers drive to reopened Lakes West

Harold Van Loozenhoord noticed the difference on Lakes West Golf Course as he finished his round of golf.

Six weeks ago, Van Loozenhoord had a difficult time playing golf on the course marked by rough fairways. The Sun Citian and his friend, Arlan Spykerman, enjoyed their game early Monday morning on the reopened course.

The Recreation Centers of Sun City closed the course for part of the summer as work crews removed remaining rye grass and recovered the fairways with Bermuda grass in anticipation for this fall's overseeding.

"This course looks so great and in a lot better shape than it was before," Van Loozenhord said.

John Snyder, RCSC director of golf operations, said Lakes West Golf Course looks great and in much better condition.

"The crew at Lakes West did such a phenomenal job during the six-week process, and the fairways look fantastic," Snyder said.

While the course was closed for most of July and part of August, residents who normally played at Lakes West traveled to other courses in Sun City.

Van Loozenhoord said there wasn't much of an inconvenience for him because he plays at several courses.

"I didn't have a major problem since I go several places, but this is one of my favorite courses, so I'm glad it's back up and running," he said.

Spykerman said he enjoyed Lakes West because the course is half a mile from his home.

"I didn't mind going to other courses but it's glad to be back and on much better grass at the same time," he said.

The verdict was still out on the course for Bill O'Neil who had only finished two holes Monday as he continued to play his game.

"So good so far," he said. "The course had been in such bad shape and unplayable but it doesn't look that way anymore."

Spykerman and Van Loozenhoord said they suggest RCSC close one course a summer to fix the greens and fairways.

"We wouldn't mind if that happened, all of the courses need to be in great shapes for the residents here," Spykerman said.