Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/672166
KIVA DUNES…IT JUST KEEPS IMPROVING putting surfaces, the greens are firm. You have to play for the bounce and sometimes accept a ball will release to the back of or over a green. The actual surfaces roll true and had good speed to them. Wind is an ever-present factor, although the day we played it wasn't much more than a zephyr. For sure, downwind approaches were more challenging than back into the breeze which could be used to help control shots into the greens. A word or two about the bunkers. Gone are the deeper bunkers with flashed sand faces and they have been replaced by flat bottomed bunkers with sod faces, rather than sand that had, over time, blown away and was an ongoing maintenance issue. The fairway bunkers on holes 5, 9 and 18, amongst others, really make a statement. They are aiming bun- kers, as well as hazards. Nine and 18, two of the toughest and strongest holes on the course, have been improved by providing targets to shape a shot away from. On 9, a draw off the right-sided bunker will have you in the optimum position as well as stopping a ball that finds the bunker from rolling toward or into the water hazard beyond. On 18, it's the opposite in that a fade (for a right- hander) off of the left-side bunker will leave you in the middle of the fairway and help you avoid the trouble left. These are cleverly conceived and placed bunkers. And, given the flat lie you will have in the bunker, and the graded bank, you have a decent recovery chance if you land in one. As always, take your "medicine" and make sure you strike a club that will get you back in play rather than a miracle shot. There have been many other im- provements to the course including a new ladies tee on the tough ninth hole, turning it into a par 3 for the ladies, but to see them all you need to experience them, rather than read about them. Hopefully I've whet your appetite to do so. And never a place to stand still, Kiva Dunes is now developing Kiva Beach Club, a members club right on the beach with a huge swimming pool, pavilion, grill dining and other amenities. It is on track to open by Memorial Day. Kiva Dunes, located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, just a few miles from the historic Battle site of Fort Morgan and Mobile Bay, is Alabama's only Beach and Golf Resort. Opened in 1995, it was immediately recog- nized by Golf Digest as one of the Top 2 Public Courses to open that year. Throughout the past 20 plus years it has been the recipient of numerous awards from Golfweek, Golf Digest and other golf publications. I'd have to think it will now receive strong consideration for renovation of the year awards. For more information, visit www.kivadunes.com The New Adult Player Development Program at Oxmoor Valley & Ross Bridge is like no other instructional golf opportunity. In two words: unlimited lessons. Simply sign up for a minimum 3 month membership and participate in any instructional session, any time. Benefits Include: • No Contract after three months • One flat fee: $125 per month • Session times during the week & weekends • Qualified PGA Instructors • Reduce your handicap • Referral program and discounts available • Specialized shot clinics featured throughout the week • Lessons offered daily All you can learn. One monthly fee. For More information, visit www.rtjgolfacademy.com CURRENT SCHEDULE MONDAYS ROSS BRIDGE 5 6pm • Short Game Putting 6 7pm • Short Game Bunkers TUESDAYS ROSS BRIDGE 5 5:30pm • Golf Fitness 5:30 7pm • Coaching Sessions 5:30 7 THURSDAYS OXMOOR VALLEY 6 7pm • Beginner Class FRIDAYS ROSS BRIDGE 9 10am • Ladies Only FRIDAYS OXMOOR VALLEY 2 2:30pm • Golf Fitness 2:30 4pm • Coaching Session SATURDAYS OXMOOR VALLEY 8 9am • Beginner Class 8 9 8 9:30am • Try Before Buying Experience 9 10am • Golf 101 SUNDAYS OXMOOR VALLEY 2 3pm • The Driver 2 3pm • Club Fitting 2 4pm • Coaching Session Number 2 at Kiva Dunes