Parks and Recreation Chairman Richard Kestenbaum (f-b), Golf Professional John Cooper, course architect John Harvey and Golf Advisory Board Chairman Fred Hunter take the first shots of the reopened Longshore Golf Course during a ceremony today. Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.comBy Jennifer Connic
With the swing of a golf club, the golf course at Westport’s Longshore Club Park officially reopened this morning.
It was the culmination of a two-year, $2.3 million renovation to the golf course that to increased tee space and improved the greens, renovated the existing bunkers and reviewed and improved the strategy to play the course.
Workers have been spending the last few weeks finishing the work to the golf course while golfers played this spring (See WestportNow April 26). Workers were continuing work today as activities celebrating the reopening took place.
“Longshore is a jewel in the community,” said Richard Kestenbaum, Parks and Recreation Commission chairman. “With the renovations it’s sparkling more.”
He said all those who play should treat the course with respect and pride so it can continue to sparkle.
First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said the course has been renewed and it was sorely in need of renovation.
Those renovations were done in a supreme manner, he said.
Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff (c) leads the dignitaries in cutting the ribbon at the Longshore golf course reopening today. Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
John Harvey, the course’s architect, spent time taking questions from the group of golfers present today to celebrate the opening, and many told him how much they enjoy the course improvements.
There were some bunkers on the course that could not quite be seen, he said, and some of the improvements were to enhance the scenes.
The 18th hole is one of his favorites, he said, and he will stop to watch the eighth hole when he drives by, he said.
“I’m in danger of being rear-ended looking at it from my car,” he said.
The elevated tees also enhance the views, he said.
“There is nothing better than standing at the third and seventh tees,” he said.
