Work on Jones Creek bunkers almost done

Brian Carter didn't even know he was being watched by the University of Georgia.

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The school's coach didn't call. Didn't e-mail. Didn't make himself known at all for a while.

The Lakeside High golfer usually knew when a Bulldogs coach was in attendance at one of his tournaments, but didn't know who he was there to watch.

Carter received an e-mail from UGA earlier this year inviting him to visit. He traveled to Athens, where the entire golf team was there for a meet and greet. He later gave the Bulldogs a verbal commitment and is expected to sign in the fall.

Carter also was recruited heavily by schools throughout the Southeast, including Alabama and N.C. State.

"(Georgia's) getting him early before anyone else can, I guess," said David Carter, Brian's father.

Carter was the medalist at the 2007 AAAA state championship as a sophomore. He finished second as a freshman.

Brian is expected to make another run at qualifying for the U.S. Amateur after narrow misses the previous two years. He also will attempt to better his 17th-place finish in the U.S. Junior Amateur.

Bartram Trail starts new fee structure

Bartram Trail Golf Course is changing its fee structure in conjunction with its takeover by Columbia County.

Effective March 1, Columbia County residents will be able to buy annual passes, paid up front. Family memberships will cost $1,800 and individuals will pay $1,300 each year. Seniors ages 60 years and older will be offered the discounted rate of $960 a year, and juniors will be charged $600.

Current members can choose not to participate, in which case they'll continue to be charged the current rate.

Head pro Robby Watson estimated the new structure would save members between $300 and $400 each year.

"I think it will increase our membership, for sure," Watson said. "What we're trying to do is make golf more affordable for Columbia County residents and really trying to promote junior golf as much as we can, because we want the juniors out here playing."

Jones Creek bunkers get sand makeover

It won't be long before the bunkers at Jones Creek Golf Club share the "bright, white" look of the traps at Augusta National.

The front nine is finished and the back nine is being worked on now.

Jones Creek manager Danny Cope didn't know the exact type of sand off the top of his head.

"The real, bright white sand," he said.

Chip shots

Cope said a "Augusta's Search for the Best Foursome" tournament is in the works. He'd like to hold six to eight events throughout the year, with the top foursomes from each event competing in a year-end final to decide Augusta's best foursome.

Bartram Trail also is undergoing bunker renovations this month. Its greens will be aerated Feb. 26-27.