OCEAN PINES — Over the coming weeks the greens replacement project approved by the Board of Directors will be well underway and at the last meeting General Manager Bob Thompson presented an update on the work.

As part of a plan to both improve the fairways and the greens, an aggressive tree removal and trimming project has been undertaken by the OPA. Thompson said that much of the work is being done by OPA staff members and as a result will keep costs down on that end of the spectrum. 

Some trees, however, require special attention or skill to either top or  remove and for those projects professionals have been hired for the work.

The permitting process through the Maryland Department of the Environment is also well underway — permit are needed for work in wetland areas — and should be issued directly, according to Thompson.

Finally, the greens have been geographically mapped so the contours can remain the same as they are replaced with better-draining material.

While the greens are being rebuilt the course will have 10 holes open throughout construction, but for members who don’t wish to play the same 9 holes in a row, Billy Casper Golf has arranged discounted fees at four local courses and will send letters discussing the fee and the registration requirements to the membership.

Thompson also suggested that players might choose to renew their memberships in May, when the work is completed, rather than in April. A new year-round membership policy enacted last year allows would-be members to register in any month rather than enforcing an exclusive sign-up period.

Thompson told the Directors that if the fair weather continues it is likely that the project could come in well ahead of schedule but that for now they were targeting a June completion date.