Houndslake working to keep Laurel course open

Despite plans to close the course at the first of the year, Houndslake officials said they are working to save the Laurel Nine.

"Basically, we're trying to do everything we can to keep Laurel Course open," Jeff Howell, general manager of Houndslake, said Monday.

Howell said officials with the course recently began a membership drive that they hope will bring in at least 350 new members to the club by May 1.

The group is hoping that the additional members will help support a $4 million project that would bring major renovations to the three courses at Houndslake over the next five years.

They officials think the improvements will attract even more members to the club, Howell said.

Some features of the five-year project include a new putting green complex, several improvements to the golf courses and the implementation of the First Tee program - a youth golf program - at Houndslake.

If the club gains enough new members, officials hope to begin the renovations this fall.

There are more than 800 people who belong to Houndslake.

To save Laurel, Howell said Houndslake needs to have at least 1,200 members by May.

Peter Seaha, the former president of a homeowner's association at Houndslake, said he is pleased with the decision to try to save the golf course.

"I think they are trying to do the right thing," he said of the plans. "I think once and for all, the course at Houndslake will become what it should be - a wonderful course to play again."

Late last year, Houndslake residents learned of plans to sell Laurel because of the lack of rounds of golf played on the course.

Laurel was later offered to residents to purchase for $1.2 million, but many homeowners did not support the idea.

Howell said it was the reaction of homeowners that persuaded Houndslake officials to reconsider selling Laurel.

When the closure was announced, a membership committee was formed, comprised of residents near each of the courses, which Howell said helped keep the lines of communication open.

He said the committee supports the new plan to attract new members "100 percent." The general manager also mentioned a $500,000 project that has recently begun on the Azalea and Dogwood courses. Improvements will also be made on the tennis courts at Houndslake.

Like most golf courses, the economic downturn has affected Houndslake, according to Howell.

"Houndslake is struggling," he said. "We are continuing to stay alive and we're doing as well as anyone. I think most clubs are having a hard time right now."

He said officials are optimistic about their renovation plans and said they are looking to see club memberships increase at Houndslake over the next couple of years.

"We would like to make Houndslake a showcase in the next five years; and we think with these improvements, that is entirely possible," said Howell.