By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch The greens at Lake Spanaway Golf Course are open to golfers again after recovering from a fungus that made them unplayable. Golfers who frequent the Pierce County-owned course "are very happy,GÇ¥ said Tony Bubenas, the county's golf supervisor. "They see what we've done to fix the fungus issue that sidelined much of the course in the fall, as well as what we're doing to prevent similar problems in the future.GÇ¥ Last fall, the greens came under stress GÇô as they always do when aerated, Bubenas noted GÇô and became particularly susceptible to disease when met by an unexpected period of heavy rain that combined with unseasonably warm temperatures. Of the course's 18 greens, 13 began suffering from a fast-spreading fungal root rot. Part of the solution included purchasing sod from the greens at Sumner Meadows, a municipal course in Sumner which had just been closed and sold to developers. In April, the county announced that all renovated greens had been resodded and resurfaced, and the turf roots needed only to knit together and smooth out before play could resume. Early estimates put the reopen date around late-May, but favorable weather and conditions made all of the repaired greens ready for play on April 26. The course is back to "100 percent playing capacity ahead of schedule," Bubenas said. The course remained open while the damaged greens were being restored. Because temporary greens were in use, players were given heavily discounted rates. Bubenas said golfers who are ready to try the new greens should get a tee time because business has picked up significantly since the reopening. Times can be booked as much as seven days in advance by calling the course directly, or up to 10 days in advance via online booking at www.lakespanawaygc.com. Weather is expected to be beautiful by Mother's Day and all week following, with highs close to 70 degrees.
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