Diamond Links makes changes

By ADAM VANKIRK — The Independent

CATLETTSBURG Fri, May 16 2008

— In the always changing game of golf, Diamond Links Golf Course is moving with the times. Course owner Bob Rufus recently hired veteran head professional Scott Rowsey and already changes are under way.
Rowsey, who comes from Spring Valley Country Club, has immediately instituted rate reductions geared to attract more junior and senior players and is overseeing some changes on the course as well.
“Bob wanted me to come down and manage and run the course so he could step aside and be more behind the scenes,” Rowsey said. “Now he doesn’t have to worry so much about the day-to-day operation.”
Rowsey has dropped the rates for seniors wanting to play on a weekday to $21 (cart included); and now children under the age of 12 can play for free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Diamond Links also has a twilight rate after 4 p.m., when players can play as many holes as they can get in for $20 on weekdays and $24 on weekends.
“We’re going to make some changes and one of the things we want to do is promote the course in the way it needs to be,” Rowsey said. “We’re going to get more junior and women golfers involved. That’s what we need to work on in the area. It’s a big priority of mine. We’re probably a generation or two from not having any junior golfers out there playing.”
Rowsey is working on getting together some junior and women clinics, as well as other events for the course, including potentially bringing back an annual par three tournament. It’s all in the early stages of construction, though, as Rowsey, a former 15-year head pro at Esquire Country Club in Barboursville, W.Va., has been on the job less than a month.
Diamond Links will also look a little different on the course. Elevation changes to help out with some drastic fall-offs have been constructed and new tees are maturing on four holes (Nos. three, five, seven and 14).
Particularly with the new tees in place, the course has a different feel to it this season, according to Rowsey. It now plays at just over 6,100 yards from the back tees.
“It really has transformed the course,” he said. “It’s more of a playable course now, a player-friendly course.
“It’s in great shape right now, especially with the improved condition of the greens. In my opinion, they are the best around.”
Diamond Links is located just south of Interstate 64 in Catlettsburg. The clubhouse can be contacted at (606) 928-5335.
ADAM VANKIRK can be reached at avankirk@dailyindependent.com.

or (606) 326-2664.