November 15, 2011

Avid Golfer Magazine Ranks Two Arlington Courses in the Top 50

Two of the City of Arlington’s golf courses recently were named among the best North Texas public courses in the annual rankings from Avid Golfer magazine.

Tierra Verde in south Arlington was ranked seventh overall and Chester W. Ditto in north Arlington, which cracked the Top 50 for the first time, was named 39th.

Each of the facilities was cited for their value and course conditions.

Tierra Verde was ranked second of mid-priced golf courses and named a Best Value Under $70. It also was lauded for its breakfast tacos.
“For years, Tierra Verde was best known as the first municipal golf course in the world to be certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary,” the magazine noted. “Now, Tierra Verde’s reputation is one of a spectacular golf course that’s always in great condition and reasonably priced. Many clubs would love to have that rep.”

Ditto golf course was named among the Top 5 Most Improved Courses and made it into the Top 50 list “thanks to the surprisingly good conditions found at the course,” according to the rankings.

Greg Durante, the city’s golf services manager, said he’s pleased but not surprised at the accolades for both of the courses.

“We’re accustomed to Tierra Verde ranking high because of the kind of facility that it is,” he said. “And the course conditions at Ditto are really great right now.”

Durante said Tierra Verde usually ranks high not only for its beautiful, scenic setting, outstanding layout, and amenities such as a lighted driving range, but also because of Superintendent Mark Claburn and his staff do a tremendous job keeping the course in great condition.

At Ditto, Durante said that although the course has an older and out-dated type of grass on the greens, different from most newer facilities, the staff has done an excellent job maintaining them to the highest standards possible.

Brick Scott, Ditto’s golf course superintendent, said the course’s Bermuda grass is hardy and survived the summer well thanks to reclaimed water they began using in May.

Durante also said that Scott’s close attention to the course, and the club house staff’s attention to customer service, keeps golfers coming back.

“The people that play there feel like it’s their home course,” he said.