South golf course reopening Published April 2, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Shandresha Mitchell 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The south course of the Bay Palms Golf Complex at MacDill Air Force Base re-opened Saturday, with 272 people in attendance for the celebration. Senior leadership from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, Tampa Bay leadership and former New York Yankees players David Wells and Ron Guidry celebrated the re-opening. The celebration was announced with a shotgun round in the morning and a second round in the afternoon. A putting contest was held before each shotgun start. All golfers were eligible to compete in a "Closest to the Pin Competition" on each of the par three holes. The event also hosted a drawing for a free annual advanced greens fee pass. Each golfer received a commemorative ball marker and the winner of each foursome received a $10 gift certificate. Bay Palms Golf Complex south course was opened in 1986. The south course closed July 6 for remodeling. A few of the remodeling projects involved removal, resurfacing and restoration. The Southwest Florida Water Management removed Brazilin pepper trees from the course, which are an invasive species not native to the area. The removal of the trees created wetlands for tidal flow that will help the estuary and will greatly reduce the mosquito population on the course. The greens were resurfaced with new Paspalum grass, a salt tolerant grass appropriate for the climate. Beach restorations were made on the southernmost tip of the course along with the drainage system. To see the south course, visit 1805 Golf Course Ave. or call 840-6904 between 7 a.m. and sunset.