Offseason work, clubhouse project updated as group ponders season launching

By Greg Ellison

(March 5, 2020) With winter winding down and construction on a new clubhouse in progress, members of the Ocean Pines Association Golf Committee were updated on the status of golf operations during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Director of Golf Operations John Malinowski said offseason greens maintenance would include clearing out trees on the eighth tee box.

“That’s one of the worst fairways as far as it just gets wet and stays wet,” he said.

The intent is to create a wind tunnel of sorts to reduce persistent moisture.

“More sun and air should solve a lot of problems there and we will also put down sod,” he said.

Malinowski said the grounds work was started last fall and is now nearing completion.

Despite the ongoing clubhouse construction, the course remains open with scattered play in recent weeks, Malinowski said.

“This time of year it’s hard to say,” he said. “Sometimes, if it’s dry, we get more play, if it’s wet, we get less play.”

Noting the previous Sunday was reasonably busy on the golf course, Malinowski said weather conditions have varied.

“The weather has been kind of crazy,” he said.

Committee member Ann Shockley asked Malinowski about a pening staffing request.

“We budgeted for a support person for you, any news on that?” she said.

Malinowski said a fulltime position for assistant golf pro included in the new budget has yet to be filled.

“Everything that just got approved really starts May 1,” he said.

Committee Chairman Larry Davies asked about marketing efforts for the new season, which Malinowski said were just picking up steam.

“This year through January we had seven new members already,” he said.

Malinowski said a number of golfers have expressed interest in becoming members but opted to wait until after pending travel plans.

“I think they’re kind of waiting to see what the clubhouse looks like,” he said.

Looking to lure in warm weather players, Malinowski has been in contact with hotel packagers.

“Essentially, they’re travel agents for golf,” he said. “I’m letting them know we’re open and what’s happening.”

Davies also inquired about plans to stage a grand opening tournament for the new clubhouse.

“I believe

OPA Golf Committee members Olga Novy, left, and Ann Shockley discuss offseason preparations with Director of Golf Operations John Malinowski during the groups meeting on Feb. 25.

is heading the grand opening tournament,” he said.

Malinowski said he is working with McMullen to host a pro-tour but selecting a precise date is contingent on construction.

“We’ll probably release something in the next week or two and get that out,” he said. “There’ll be some kind of event.”