Just a few years ago, the Asheville Municipal Golf Course was in dire straits — with "more dirt than grass on it," according to Chris Corl, the city's director of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities.

But thanks to new funding and leadership, the 122-acre East Asheville course is in the midst of a major transformation. A $3.5 million renovation project — largely funded by the City of Asheville and BCTDA — is repairing, restoring, and rejuvenating the historic golf course.

The project began in January, and already, much has been accomplished. Here are the highlights of the recent upgrades:

Stormwater repairs: Construction and rehabilitation of the course's defunct stormwater systems — which have caused sinkholes, floods, erosion, and other safety issues — will begin in October and wrap up by the end of the year.
Cart paths: All cart paths (minus holes 10 and 11) have been repaired or are wrapping up completion.
Greens and fairways: All 18 greens have been upgraded and sod has been laid on the barest patches of the fairway. Additionally, a weather station and soil sensors have been installed to track soil health.
The clubhouse: The interior has been fully renovated with new flooring, fixtures, furniture, and an upgraded women's restroom.
Bunkers: Ten of these sand trap fixtures have been restored and three have been rebuilt, all with improved drainage + water management.
Programs: A $6,000 grant from Walnut Cove Members Association that covers new youth club sets, registration, and lessons for the juniors program. The goal is to double participation throughout the city.

Wondering what's next for the course? The city has plans. Specifically, The Kris Spence Revitalization Master Plan (complete with this rendering).

And as of last month, there's also a new nonprofit, Friends of Asheville Municipal Golf Course, which aims to support the course's restoration.