THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 2, 1994 TAG: 9409020596
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: POWELLS POINT LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
United Turf, Inc., which provides grass for some of the area's finest fairways and greens, is going to build a golf course of its own.
Acting President Keith Hall says that his company is developing an 18-hole course at the company's headquarters near Powells Point.
``We don't have a lot of details worked out,'' Hall said. ``We don't even have the course named yet.''
Hall said he expects the course to be formally opened next July.
``It's something I've always wanted to do,'' Hall said of his decision to place a golf course where 120 acres of grass have been cultivated to sell since United Turf began more than 15 years ago.
``My family owns the land, and it's close to the growing areas of Kitty Hawk and Nags Head,'' said Hall, a golfer with a 10 handicap.
It also will directly compete for local and tourist dollars with several other public, private and semi-private golf clubs in the vicinity, including two in Currituck County.
``I think the future will bring at least one other new golf course, and that will be in Moyock,'' said Charles Hartig, the county's economic development director.
``Personally, I think it's wonderful for Currituck County because it just enhances our image as a vacation destination. And I think it will have a tremendous impact on the economic viability of the Currituck mainland.
``Plus, it's the kind of development that we want because it does not require a great deal of county services.''
The Powells Point course is currently being contoured and mounded to give it a Scottish links effect, Hall said. Tifway Bermuda grass will be used on the fairway and Bentgrass on the greens.
``Because of our knowledge and years in the turf business, we have the know-how to give it a well-groomed appearance,'' Hall said. ``The maintenance is going to be apparent.''
United Turf is the largest sodding service in North Carolina and supplies instant lawns to residential, commercial and athletic field landscapers all over the East Coast. In addition to its home site, the company operates turf farms in three other North Carolina communities.
Hall also said his course ``will be forgiving to the average golfer'' and offer four sets of tees for different levels of players.
``We will be strictly golf,'' he said. ``We have no lots for sale, no housing.''
The golf course will be managed by a separate company, of which Hall will be owner. by CNB