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Published: Saturday, Sep. 08, 2012 / Updated: Friday, Sep. 07, 2012 04:42 PM

Golfers back on course at River Hills

LAKE WYLIE -- 

River Hills Golf Course is back in the swing of things.

Following an Aug. 29 draw party with about 130 players putting their names in a bowl to see who would get to play the new greens first, play began Sept. 1 as planned.

The course closed in June to rework the greens and revamp the practice area. A little length was added to the course, but the main effort has been the greens where Bermuda replaces bent grass and 87,000 square feet of putting surface becomes 105,000. The move is designed to better tolerate summer heat and improve play, allowing in places for possibly five- or 10-hole placements compared to two before the switch.

“Everything is going fantastic. Since Saturday, we’ve had about 600 rounds,” said golf director TJ Bridges on Friday.

He said the course typically sees 400 to 500 rounds a week.

“Everybody at this point is very impressed,” Bridges said. “We’re just happy to see people out here using the facility again.”

Officials did not disclose the cost of the renovations, but said it was funded by members' support.

“All the members ar really excited about improvements, and it’s only going to get better,” said General Manager Jim Sutton.