As Bowden prepares for re-open, staff welcome new youth program

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After eight months closed, Bowden Golf Course is just a few days shy of its grand re-opening. Officials at the course say they’re excited about the new improvements and a new youth program coming soon.

“No renovations have been going on for 50 years or so here. They did some minor renovations here and there but nothing to this scale ever,” said General Manager Brandon Doles.

The grass is finally greener over at Bowden Golf Course.

“We upgraded the putting surfaces to tiff eagle and took them down and re-shaped them,” Doles told 41NBC.

Public works and parks and beautification employees are putting the finishing touches on the course grounds before opening day.

“Tomorrow’s the ribbon cutting and then we’ll be open for regular play on Friday morning at 7:30,” he said.

The course itself now features completely re-surfaced putting greens, a renovated club house and new computer system.

“We’re doing the last minute preparations right now–putting out ball washers and signs–things like that,” Doles explained.

The turf isn’t the only new addition. Golf Professional Jack Dean says he’s also launching a new ‘Junior League’ program.

“You come out and for two hours, we’re going to give kids tips and lessons,” said Dean.

It’s an opportunity for kids in the community to learn the game–regardless of whether they can afford it.

“You might get a kid out here who’s really, really good and doesn’t even know it,” he continued. “They could be the next Tiger Woods.”

Dean’s program has gotten national recognition from the PGA. Now He wants to use it to help kids in the Macon find an outlet and change their own course.

“I want to be a good influence on some young people and I think we need that more than ever right now,” Dean said.

He’s offered the Junior League program in other Middle Georgia cities including Perry and Dublin.

Lessons will begin this spring and go on through the summer months. The cost is $200 for six months but for families who can’t afford it, Dean says there are scholarship opportunities available through the PGA.