Herndon Centennial Golf Course Sees Improvements

Phase two of the Herndon Centennial Golf Course master plan renovations were completed at the end of this summer and golfers are noticing the difference.

Gene Fleming, director of golf at Herndon, said the master plan was originally adopted in 2004, with the first phase of improvements taking place in 2005. Those improvements included greenside bunker renovations and green space improvements.

Phase two of the project included bunker renovations and renovations of selected tee complexes, as well as repaving of cart paths. Some of the paths were moved to give those traveling along them a more park-like view.

“The two phases together—it’s just a total package that people are starting to notice,” Fleming said.

Fleming said the maintenance of the 32-year-old golf course has always been very good, but with the combined improvements to the course, it brings people’s attention to the condition of the course. He said it makes an impact on playability and aesthetics.

Drainage improvements to the course mean big storms won’t impact people’s ability to play, Fleming said. After the heavy rains of Hurricane Irene, the course was able to open the very next morning.

The master plan for the golf course has been implemented in phases because it is the most efficient and economic way to make the improvements, Fleming said. Phase three of the project will be to renovate the remaining tee complexes.

Fleming said they have heard from patrons that they prefer to have time in between projects so they can enjoy the course without dealing with construction and extra noise. “It is disruptive,” he said. Spacing out projects means inconveniencing people as little as possible, he said.  

He said the top things people look for in a golf course are a well-maintained course, great value and exceptional customer service. “We’re going to run with that,” he said.

Fleming said he’s proud they haven’t had to raise the rates that much during the past few difficult budget years and the course ties in well with the town of Herndon’s 2030 vision.

Fleming said golfers should come see the new course improvements, and look out for preview days in September and October.