SWINGING THROUGH SILVER LAKE
From the new look club house to a diagrammed guide of the daily pin placements on the back of the scorecard, the improvements keep coming at Silver Lake.
Silver Lake operators Doug Johnstone and Eve Taranto have been working non-stop since taking over “The Lake” in May 2007 and their efforts can be seen everywhere.
The changes begin at the front door.
The quaint, picturesque clubhouse (which is featured on the scorecard) once housed a small pro shop, snack bar, bath and locker rooms has been undergone a major interior re-design. The pro shop has been moved out of the building (it’s now in a trailer that sits at the end of the driveway), and has been replaced by a 60-seat full service restaurant; and the old bathrooms have been replaced.
The changes are even move impressive on the golf course.
Long standing drainage problems are becoming a thing of the past and the course is well manicured from tee to green. Yardage markers (200/150/100) are easily found and the greens roll true and the speed is consistent from hole to hole.
Along with player-friendly pin placement guide (there are nine different placements which change daily) Johnstone is also expanding the greens to the original Van Kleek design.
“Word is spreading that we offering a pretty good product,” said Johnstone. “People are telling us how pleased they are with the changes.”
The improvements aren’t limited to the club house and golf course. Last summer Johnstone and Taranto also introduced a dress code. No cut-off jeans, sleeveless or collarless shirts would be permitted. The effort has been well received.
“We haven’t thrown anyone off the course,” said Johnstone. “Our goal was to educate and create awareness show respect for the game. So far a majority of the people respect what we’re trying to do,” he said.
With its easy access from the Staten Island Ferry and just minutes from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Silver Lake is certainly worth a visit.
Reservations can be made by calling 718-447-5686 or visit their website at www.silverlakegolf.com –BF
