3 min read
With recent renovations elevating the playing experience at Greystone Country Club, we caught up with Jon Gibbons, Head Golf Pro for the Founders Course, to uncover the insider secrets to conquering the greens at Greystone.
Reseeding of Greens at Legacy: A Game-Changer
In 2022, Greystone embarked on a monumental project, bidding farewell to the bentgrass greens that had graced the Legacy Course for over two decades. Enter TifEagle bermudagrass, a resilient variety specially chosen to withstand Alabama's heat and enhance playability year-round.
“It’s now a year and a half in, and they’re doing really well, really healthy,” said Gibbons. “The greens are still firm because they are new. Our membership is getting used to them. There are always growing pains you have to go through, but so far they've really enjoyed it.”
This transition not only promises a more consistent playing surface, but also alleviates maintenance concerns.
And, with this update, both the Founders and Legacy Courses now have bermuda greens, although slightly different blends, which players may have noticed when trying to read them.
“At Founders, the greens are ‘Champion Bermuda,’ which tends not to have as much grain in it and can thus make the greens a little more challenging to read, whereas at Legacy, you can judge those a little better because they do have grain in them,” Gibbons explained.
Putting in the Work: Hone Your Green Reading Technique and Short-Game Skills at the Practice Facilities
Speaking of reading the greens, Gibbons underscores the significance of honing green reading techniques with coaches at both courses, imparting invaluable insights by teaching methods like
AimPoint—a game-changer for improving putting and chipping.
The practice facilities at both courses also offer plenty of ways for players to work on their short-game skills.
“At both facilities, we have little plates that are located around the practice greens, labeled one through nine, with different putting and chipping challenges on them, so people can use those to practice, or play a little game with each other, which is fun,” he said.
Putting training aids like strings and mirror boards, and incorporating specific drills, like a simple towel drill (where a towel is placed on the green behind the hole and your goal is to keep the ball on the towel), can also help you lower your putts per round.
Taking it to the Course: Strategy is Key
When it comes to tackling the toughest greens on both courses, Gibbons offered valuable insights.
"At Founders, No. 3 is one of our most challenging holes. The green used to be severely sloped; now it’s a lot better.” Even so, he says playing to the front or center of the green is the best way to avoid penalties.
Similarly, at Legacy, strategic planning is essential, particularly on Hole 15. Gibbons advises golfers to approach the green strategically, considering pin placement and potential hazards to optimize their chances of success.
“And you got to play a little defense sometimes; you don't always aim at every flag,” he also stressed.
“We teach a lot of our students, if you're not hitting it well that day, especially on some of these difficult holes, to look for the center of the green and try to hit it there. Then hopefully you can two-putt.”
Ready to Roll? Put These Tips to the Test
With Jon Gibbons' expert guidance, mastering the golf courses at Greystone is an attainable goal. By prioritizing accuracy, strategic planning, and leveraging available tools, golfers can confidently conquer even the toughest holes on either course.
From embracing course renovations to refining green reading techniques, Members are poised to elevate their game and immerse themselves in the unparalleled golfing experience offered at Greystone Country Club.
