FLEMING ISLAND – The tees were full, and the cart barn was empty on Monday, June 2, at Fleming Island Golf Club.

Not bad for a club that was scheduled to be closed for months of maintenance.

Course owners changed their minds.

They decided to use the hot summer months to rebuild and re-grass the greens of one of the favorite courses in Clay County. It’s an annoying process for members, yet necessary for the long-term livelihood of the tract.

Since putting greens are the most critical aspect of a golf course, industry experts suggest regressing and reconstructing every 10 to 20 years. Types of grass, playing volume and maintenance practices influence the timing.

While Fleming Island enjoys heavy bookings, the club’s quality of maintenance and its members’ attention to respecting the course’s rules allowed management to push off its plans.

“We changed the decision for this year based on experts who said our greens were better than most greens in Jacksonville,” said course owner Charles Raulerson. “The members and guests were instrumental in pushing for us to hold off until they were in poor condition.”

Based on the number of players during the first week of June, the summer months are typically when golf traffic slows due to heat and afternoon rain. Fleming Island’s conditions are still considered plush.

“We are grateful for the agronomy department, particularly Mike Pafford, our superintendent and agronomist. We do plan on more projects, as we have to constantly improve the club and experience for all customers.”