Utilizing Native Plants

In the winter of 2007 we renovated the area between our first tee complex and the driving range removing the unsightly landscaping and crumbling cartpath which did not give our guests a good first impression of our golf course.  Through the aid of the Iris Fund, a program designed to provide funding to Tennessee State Parks for the protection and planting of native plants, as well as the removal of invasive exotic plants through the purchase of Tennessee State Park specialty license plates, we were able to build a raised planting bed which would be planted solely with plants native to Tennessee.  Many years have past and the plants have grown to a mature state now providing our guests with a wonderful showing of color and texture. 

Photo of the #1 teeing complex prior to the renovation.

The #1 teeing complex after the renovation.
Drainage was placed in the cartpath to remove rainfall and irrigation and the golf car path was regraded and paved by TDOT.

Some of the native plants we chose for the planting

Flame Azalea

Rhododendron austrimum

Columbine
Aquilegia canandensis

Threadleaf Blue Star
Amsonia hubrictii

Fothergilla  /  Witch-Alder
Fothergilla gardenia



Our native areas around the golf course, which we began renovation of last summer, are also beginning to show promise with the growth and bloom of some native wildflowers in the areas.  The native areas will not only provide color and beauty to the golf course but will also provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and small animals.  Foot traffic is allowed but we do ask that you please keep the golf cars out of these areas.

A Little Help...Please

For many years the biggest complaint about our golf course was the condition of the bunkers.  Well, we took the concerns of our guests and members to heart and over the past two winters have renovated most all of them.  We have spent tens of thousands of dollars rebuilding the bunkers to make them playable and enjoyable and have spent hundreds of dollars on bunker rakes so they could be maintained throughout the day by golfers. 

We have been blessed with great weather this spring and with that has come an incresed number of rounds on the golf course.  The maintenance staff does a great job of maintaining the golf course but some of the upkeep falls on the shoulders of the golfers who enjoy it.  Raking the bunkers when you have finished playing out of them is just part of the game and we would greatly appreciate a little help in keeping the golf course in the top condition that we like to see it in.

In addition to the bunkers, please keep in mind to fix your ball marks and fill your divots.  Each golf car is outfitted with two sand bottles and we have refilling stations on #6, #10, and #14 if you run out of sand. Ball marks are becoming an issue on the greens as well, if you need a ball mark repair tool just let me know and I will get you one.  I encourage every golfer to view and follow the techniques demonstrated in the United States Golf Association video on Repairing Ball Marks.

For our many members and guests who do take pride in the golf course we say THANK YOU!!!

Remember The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is your golf course, treat it with respect.