ColoVista continues its comeback story

ColoVista Golf Course general manager Ryan Andrews drives a golf cart over his 18-hole course. While most would be distracted by the scenic layout and startling views of the Lost Pines, Andrews is pointing down toward the grass.

He is pointing toward the fairway, particularly the plush Bermuda grass that populates it. Over the past year since its opening, the restoration of the courses fairways has been a top priority. And after 12 months of patient and steady care, it is starting to pay some major dividends.

It has been a slow process, Andrews said. It would cost tens of millions of dollars to re-sod and entire golf course, so we had to be patient.

Rather than start over, the course managers nourished the existing Bermuda grass planted by the courses original owners. As the grasss health returned, ColoVista began to slowly introduce herbicides to kill off the infringing weeds and wild grass that crept into the fairways when the course fell into disrepair. The slow-burn method has paid off, restoring the course to much of its original glory.

There was a time when this was one of the destination golf courses in Central Texas, Andrews said. We have been working to get it back to that level.

ColoVista is now ready to reclaim its status as a destination for weekend golfers from all over the state.

We had a bunch of people come through a year ago and tell us call us when you get the place in good condition, Andrews said. We are calling those people now and letting them know, this course is ready for them to return.

The facilities 31 overnight cabins were filled to capacity the weekend of July 26-27 with out-of-town golfers. And though all of the facilities arent open yet, the group had nothing but glowing reviews for the course.

I had several people come up and compliment the course, telling me what a good time they had, Andrews said.

As the tourists return, ColoVista hopes to add more amenities to compliment the weekend golf experience. The on-site mansion is still being renovated, but Andrews hopes to have it open and hosting weddings within a few months. Other facilities, such as the swimming pool, will open as course traffic continues to rise.

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ColoVista continues its comeback story