Jackson County's Sharp Park and Cascades get a Makeover
Leigh Thurston

Sharp Park Golf Course Renovations

Renovation of Sharp Park Golf Course in Jackson has greatly improved the nature of this popular municipal golf course. Construction began early in the fall of 1999 and continued through the fall of 2000 due to an extremely wet summer.

The improvement project focused on better conditioning, visibility, circulation and beautification of the site. Conditioning is greatly enhanced by the addition of tee area to provide a minimum of three tee locations per hole and resolving drainage problems. Visibility is drastically improved by reducing the number of blind shots, which previously posed a conflict and slowed play. Reshaped bunkers also add fairway definition and guide golfers in playing each hole. The re-routing of several holes and additional cart path improve traffic flow.

Holes are better defined and more interesting by creating some movement in the fairways and strategically placing features, such as a pond, gentle mounding and fairway cross bunkers on two holes. Additional landscaping enhanced the maturing hedgerows and groves of trees.

A new 7th hole is carved through the woods with a slight dogleg and pleasant change in elevation down to the green. The 16th hole changes from a short, blind par 4 to a par 3 with an elevated green. A new pond separates the new 2nd green and #8 tees.

Newgent Golf, Inc. of Kissimmee, Florida implemented the improvements.

Despite the extended construction period, the City of Jackson is very pleased with the results and excited about a grand opening next spring.

Cascades Golf Course
Jackson, Michigan

GreenScape Design has also been assisting Jackson County in planning minor improvements to Cascades Golf Course to be implemented over the next few years. The initial phase addressed new tees on several holes and improved drainage on hole #10. Future construction will focus on bunker renovation, additional tee area, drainage improvements, and redesign of the 18th finishing hole. The improvements will help this beautiful, traditional golf course maintain its strong niche in the growing Michigan golf market.