By Ron Marvel

Star Correspondent

Conditions after Hurricane Helene are preventing the Elizabethton Golf Course from reopening. During the storm, the course lost 12 large trees, with estimates suggesting another 40 to 60 trees have damage. Although a great deal of work has been accomplished, there remains a significant risk from hanging limbs, many of which are not easily visible.

Head Golf Pro William Jones explained that the threat to public safety is too great at this time.

“You could play on the fairways and greens currently, except for the 17th hole where an 80-foot pine lies. Hanging branches and leaning trees pose a real risk, and the drier, windier, and colder it gets as winter approaches, the more risk they pose,” Jones said.

In addition to the tree damage, the course also suffered a major irrigation line break near the 16th hole; however, the water to that area has been cut off. While many of the downed trees have been cleared, some of the remaining trees will need to be removed by a professional tree service. Given the extent of damage in the area, the Elizabethton Golf Course is a lower priority for these services.

The golf course has recently reopened the driving range, and there is potential for the course to open nine holes, but no definite date has been set.

“We have no target date yet; we are at the mercy of the tree companies, and this is work and expense we did not account for. We are hopeful for a spring reopening and are considering opening nine holes, but we are still getting estimates,” Jones said.

The golf course has lost a great deal of revenue from golfers and large tournaments that typically take place this time of year, including its own Club Championship. Jones expressed appreciation for the community’s support and patience during this time.

“The community has been great so far in their understanding and patience with us,” Jones said.

Although the damage to the Elizabethton Golf Course is significant, other courses like Elk River, Linville Ridge, and Grandfather Mountain may face many months or even years before they can reopen – if they are able to reopen at all.