FORT SMITH (KFSM) – A new greens superintendent has been hired at the Ben Geren Golf Course in Fort Smith.
Sebastian County Judge David Hudson said the new superintendent, Jay Randolph, will be paid a higher salary than others who held the position in the past.
Hudson said revenue was lost last year when weather destroyed the greens on the course. One of the things Randolph will be supervising is the transition from cool-season grass to warm-season grass.
“These Bermuda greens will be the best in the area in July and August, and really throughout the year,” Randolph said.
He is a certified golf course superintendent by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, according to a release from Hudson's office.
The 27-hole golf course will have a three-part makeover: Nine holes are expected to be done by early summer, nine more by mid-summer, and the rest of the nine holes in 2017. Hudson said in a news release this transition was initiated in August of 2015. He said the goal is to have 18 holes available for players at all times.
Golf Director Steve Nicholls said during his 24 years at the course, he has worked with eight different superintendents.
Randolph said he plans to stick around.
“I’ve been in town for over 15 years and I’m familiar with the place, Fort Smith, and familiar with all the golfers,” Randolph said.
“We’re very excited," Nicholls said. "I couldn't be any happier with who we have here to move forward.”
Hudson said he is also hoping for the golf course to host tournaments in the future.
The Ben Geren Golf Course opened in 1972.