Let’s not overthink the lack of access to water issue at Mercer County owned and operated golf courses.
No study is necessary for a decision on where to place water containers although if officials need input then they should ask golfers. Wherever containers existed prior to Covid 19, it’s a safe bet they should return to those spots although a container seems worthy near the putting green and No. 10 tee at Mercer Oaks East.
Still, thanks to Mercer County Executive Dan Benson for an extended conversation on the matter. County officials should begin conversations with golfers and listen to their complaints and ideas about golf operations, green fees, access to tee times, course conditions, etc.
Golfers, especially long time, die hard swingers, should have input for the five county golf courses that make millions of dollars annually. A portion of that revenue should be reinvested to improve both courses and the golfing experience.
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A first round of golf for the 2026 season occurred Sunday, May 17 at Mercer Oaks East Golf Course.
Perfect drive in the middle of the fairway followed by an approach shot that hit the top edge of the right green side bunker. The Titleist ball fell back into the sand. Splashed out to six feet then found a rake broken in half.
Perfect sized tool for a 10-year-old or Eddie Gaedel. (Here’s a first, the most famous small person in athletic competition appears in a sports column and news column in the same day).
Back to the golf courses. Already had hurt/bad feelings about an uncooperative golf ball. What gives? A loathing occurs here for ignorant golfers who break rakes, fail to rake sand bunkers, do not repair ball marks, will not fix divots when necessary, etc. All golfers should receive instruction about expected course behaviors before they tee off while county officials should reserve the right to remove anyone not willing to follow rules.
By the way, some bunkers need more than one rake, especially fairway bunkers. Golfers should enter and exit at low points of green side bunkers. It’s fairly basic golf etiquette that some golfers lack.
And, golf gods know that Mercer County officials should spend money on an upgrade of bunkers, especially at Mercer Oaks East. Have to remove stones and pebbles from bunkers. Finally, county officials must replace broken rakes.
What’s on your mind? Hit me up if you have an opinion about Mercer County golf courses and their operations. County Executive Benson has opened a door for productive conversation. Let’s make good use of the opportunity.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.