Fariways of Canton Golf Club Reopens

From difficulty level to the type of grass planted on the course, managing partner DJ DeVictor has considered everything for today's grand reopening events.

“The course was initially designed to be difficult," he said. "That is essentially why it failed. We wanted to build a course that was more accessible and playable for the average golfer."

DeVictor explained that the original developers planned for 70 bunkers on the 4-year-old, 200-acre course.

“It was death,” he said, noting that the new course layout he helped direct with co-partner David Miller was more of a “fair test” for golfers.

Fifty of the bunkers were removed to make the course playable. The Georgia State Golf Association has now rated the course 72.3 from the back with a slope rating of 135. At the forward tees, it’s rated 67.0 with a slope of 121.

Originally, the Fairways was to reopen in June. A landscaping issue near and dear to golfers’ hearts pushed that date back.

The grass wasn't up to standard, DeVictor said.

"Last year the city planted bent grass greens that never came through," he said. "We had to kill the bent grass and plant Mini Verdi Dwarf Bermuda grass.”

This type of grass, currently a preferred grass among the golfing community and billed as the “ultimate putting surface,” is a major selling point for Fairways of Canton as it is the only golf course in the area to offer the special turf.

DeVictor knows there are still many skeptics who haven’t seen the course’s transformation. But those people, he says, are invited to view the renovation at the kickoff event today.

Festivities will feature hot dogs and hamburgers with each round of golf as well as beverages included in the $22 fee.

Mayor Gene Hobgood and various other city officials have been invited to attend the formal ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.

“How could you take such a beast of a golf course and turn it into something enjoyable to play," DeVictor asked. "Well, these people will have to come see.”