Matanzas Woods re-opening on the horizon?

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

The long wait suffered by Matanzas golf course players may soon be on the verge of coming to an end.

In a strong effort headed by Craig Ranciatto, The Golf Group of Palm Coast LLC is working to get the show under way.

Matanzas was shut down years ago by then-owner Centex, of North Carolina.

When the Golf Group of Palm Coast bought Pine, Cypress and Matanzas, it made a promise to get Matanzas re-opened. That vow may soon be fulfilled.

“The plan I have going is simple,” Ranciatto said. “I have been meeting with Matanzas community leaders to try and get support to create a joint effort for the revitalization of the Matanzas Woods community.”

Ranciatto also felt the present shape of the course is not as bad as I indicated a few weeks ago. The grass is about 6 inches high, but mowing schedules are in place to get it in playing shape, Ranciatto said.

Grand Haven is another Palm Coast course that Centex has recently sold, but luckily there is little the new owners have to correct. The Jack Nicklaus design is still a gem.

I’ve long claimed that Grand Haven can easily rate as the best links in this region of Florida. Rain or drought, it doesn’t matter. Th course is always perfect. I’m sure the new owners quickly saw this feature before inking the sales papers. All involved should acknowledge appreciation to Course Superintendent Ryan Dykes and Assistant Brent Courtney. The same pats on the back should go out to grounds crew members Ray Reese, Wilbert Gilles, Perriot Lamy, Desi Desinor, Candaleirio Seles, Carlos Velez and Miguel Hernandez.

In other news, the Rev Dr. Ron Watson, senior pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church, enjoyed the golf thrill of a lifetime when he sank an 85-foot triple-breaker downhill putt to make an eagle for his team in the Family Life Center tournament, at Pine Lakes.

Watson was walking on air for two reasons. One was his thrilling putt. The other was earning $4,000 to help the less fortunate. The tournament boasted 52 players.

For more detailed information and thoughts on these and other golf topics, go online to www.PalmCoastObserver.com, and click on “Blog.” Scroll down to Golf Chips.