There are a couple of new additions at Manorville's Swan Lake Golf Club in 2012. Though a driving range is not one of them, the course has upgraded its practice nets, which remain in their usual spot next to the parking lot. Only now they are a bit bigger, a bit sturdier, and with room to accommodate more golfers.
For those concerned more about the latest on the course, the eighth hole should pique their interest. A spiffy new sand trap made its debut earlier this year on the dogleg par-4, giving players even more reason to stay right. The long, mostly flat bunker (pictured; click to enlarge) is short of the more familiar fairway trap inside the turn. Whether it was put in place to serve as a deterrent, or simply as a barrier to freeze errant shots before they skitter into the trees, either way the message is clear -- keep right at all costs.
Even the namesake swans of the Manorville course have new additions this season. Emerging from the marsh next to the ninth tee were two proud, protective parents -- sized impressively enough to keep this cameraman at a healthy distance -- and their three miniature swanlings (pictured). The brief swan delay is par for the Pine Barrens course, and not just because they think they run the place. Wildlife sightings are common, including beavers scampering near the water hazard and turkeys taking their time around the woods.
For the full rundown on Swan Lake, check out the course flyover.
That sand trap on 8 came out of no where... think it is more to keep balls out of the woods from those righties who duck hook... most amazing and not sure if this is from the lack of rain but the greens were the hardest and fastest i have seen them in 30 years. the driving range nets need to have tees put into the mats which they did not have 2 weeks ago.
Posted by: steve cowit | April 29, 2012 at 05:20 PM