Army Navy Country Club planning golf course redesign

Representing the country club, attorney Art Walsh of the Arlington law firm Walsh Colucci, said a previous design presented to the council earlier this year called for removing a total of 696 trees from the 240-acre golf course. The course currently contains some 8,000 trees.

He said that in the new plan, only 364 existing trees would be removed and that about 760 additional trees would be planted, including 260 canopy trees. Some existing trees that screen the course from adjacent private homes would also be spared.

Walsh spoke during the work session portion of the April 22 city council meeting.

In addition to redesigning and reconfiguring the tees, fairways and greens to better suit a broader range of golfers at various skill levels who use the high-tech clubs and golf balls of today, the course renovation will also make improvements to drainage and irrigation systems.

"It's really a modernization," Walsh said. "It's a $6 million investment to remain competitive with other area courses. Without the renovation, we're concerned golfers would go elsewhere."

A loss of membership would mean a loss of city revenue and the loss of a community asset, he said, noting that the renovation would also mean longterm viability for the club at 3315 Old Lee Highway.

Army Navy is a private, member-owned club founded in 1924 drawing its membership primarily from active duty and retired commissioned U.S. military officers. The club also has members who are civilian federal government employees and retirees. About 120 city residents are members.

"This is not a deep pocket country club by any means," Walsh said.

Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Gail Lyon on how long the construction would take, a club official said three years – one year for every nine holes.

The city council will vote to either approve or deny the Army Navy Country Club application on May 27.