The latest at Innsbrook's Public Golf Course

Written by: Lexie Weber | Communications Specialist | Innsbrook Resort

2023 is shaping up to be another banner year for Innsbrook golf! Always improving, the course has undergone some updates and upgrades in the last year, recently welcomed the delivery of new GPS-enabled golf carts, and of course, the return of our favorite food truck, the Par Bar.?

?Upgrades Along the Course

New technology has hit the course this year in the form of four-wheels. Players are now able to ride through their nine or 18-holes of play in a new fleet of Club Car golf carts featuring a GPS system. The new carts bring wonderful improvements to the playing experience at Innsbrook. Now, there will be no more searching for yardage markers or making sure your laser range finder catches the flag to determine your distance – that information and more will be right in front of you as you pull up to your golf ball.

These new carts will also help our staff better manage the golf course and improve maintenance practices. These systems will allow golf course management to track all golf carts, monitor the pace of play, restrict parts of the course where carts are prohibited, and send messages to specific golf carts and players from inside the pro shop.

?This high level of technology will deliver helpful and real-time location information for players to manage their pace of play and plan their next shot, as well as a cost-effective and efficient communication system for golf course management to instantly communicate with players.

?Now that the new golf carts are here, we want to make certain everybody is enjoying the full benefits they provide. Moving forward, private golf carts will not be allowed on the golf course, with the exception of those players who purchase annual passes.

?Par Bar and Patio

In 2021, the Par Bar rolled its way into its VIP parking space at the turn and end of the 18th hole, providing a literal meal on wheels for property owners, players, and guests alike. The Par Bar’s attractive new form and convenient location offers an additional eatery in the Innsbrook community for those to swing by for a quick bite on the way to the next tee box, or a place to dine alfresco with family on the new pro shop patio. This year, the Par Bar is back and better than ever with delicious new menu items, a line-up of summer events, and an eager staff of Innsbrook all-stars ready to please palates with their easy-to-eat and on-the-go favorites.

The unique “19th hole” food truck features delicious golf-themed items and ice-cold beverages. Patrons can experience a “Caddy Shack” meal with “The Bill Murray” bratwurst, or get a little taste of Augusta with the “Master” turkey and provolone sandwich. Par Bar originals including the Par Bar premium burger, “The 18th Hole” smoky brisket burnt ends sandwich, and Innsbrook’s popular funnel fries are just a few of the other menu options bursting with flavor.

?Along with the new additions to the menu, patrons can now enjoy lunch and cocktails on the expanded patio right outside of the pro shop doors. Recently outfitted with a custom pergola, cozy course-side seating and outdoor games, the patio serves as the perfect place to relax on a sunny Saturday afternoon surrounded by the scenic views of the championship golf course. With a focus on providing the Innsbrook community and guests a unique outdoor dining experience and an additional space to gather with family friends, patrons can expect a summer calendar sprinkled with golf specials, live music, events and parties at the Par Bar.

?Off-Season Course Maintenance

Players who wish to take a few practice swings at the driving range before they hit the links will now experience a drier, more functional range environment. During the off-season, the course installed multiple drains throughout the range that connect to a 12” drain pipe that spans the entire length of the driving range. Prior to the installation, the driving range was not equipped with a drainage system, causing the range to hold excess amounts of precipitation, as well as lose range balls in the quagmire. The new system will prevent the range from holding excessive amounts of water and in turn, allow the course to keep the driving range open more often than in previous seasons. Course management also completed significant clearing along the sides of the driving range. The off-season project will allow staff to easily retrieve errant golf balls deep into the tree line.

?Smooth greens and fine-tuned roughs are an essential part of every player’s golf experience. In order to provide a high-quality playing field for all, the golf course has recently received a new John Deere greens and rough mower, both of which are used on a daily basis and are crucial components of course maintenance and upkeep. Our new equipment is set to cut greens from 0.125 inches, to 0.130 inches, while the rough mower is set to 2.5 inches, similar to residential lawn mowers.?

?These improvements and additions offer benefits far beyond a round of golf. Property owners and guests can look forward to an ever-improving and beautiful environment on and around the course, as well as new amenities to enhance the Innsbrook golf experience.