The reimagined Tower Tee is seeing its first construction activity, with the new owners promising to bring the beloved South County institution back with an expected spring 2021 opening.
A year after the surprise announcement by new owners Steve Walkenbach and Lindbergh Board of Education member Mike Shamia that they purchased the 27-acre site, which seemed destined for a housing development, they said they have made “significant progress” on the multimillion-dollar development. Affton residents have been happily posting photos to social media of bulldozers hard at work rebuilding one of Affton’s favorite attractions for families.
The driving range area is fully formed, drainage has been installed and the old asphalt removed. The footprint of the short game practice area is now visible, along with the large practice putting green and grass tee. Special care was taken with the drainage on the range side of the facility to prevent any future water runoff issues.
“We are sure once complete it will be something the community and entire region will be proud of and look forward to visiting,” the developers said.
The next step is to start building the golf course, with U.S. Golf Association greens taking shape, the owners said. Grass could be seeded this summer.
“We look forward to the start of building construction this fall,” the team said on Facebook. “It looks like we will be ready to open for business in spring 2021! We can’t wait to host everyone at the new facility!”
That is a pushback from the originally hoped for opening date of fall 2020 that Shamia and Walkenbach originally hoped for in their “infinite positivity,” they said. But that was an “aggressive” timeline that will not be possible.
The pair behind the reincarnation of Tower Tee promise it will have many of the beloved features that brought families coming back for half a century.
Like the old Tower Tee, the new one will have a driving range, batting cages and mini golf.
New draws will be a 9-hole golf course with greens designed after some of the top holes in the world. The course will also be designed for Footgolf, a combination of soccer and golf.
“We feel like with the rich history of soccer in Saint Louis and the excitement building for MLS this will be a sought after offering,” the owners said.
The new driving range will have two tiers on the east side of the facility, updated technology, landing areas specifically designed for feedback and an indoor teaching area. They plan to offer a “wide range of development opportunities and bring a top-level teaching staff on board.”
The short-game practice area will be one of the best in the region, they promise, and the new clubhouse will be large and inviting with two outdoor patios that can be booked for corporate outings, parties or used to watch sporting events. It will have an adjacent playground and bocce ball.
“The new facility will meet the needs of the most enthusiastic golfer but remain approachable for all levels,” the owners said. “ Opportunities will be there for most everyone to enjoy the space.”
And while some of the plans could change, one thing is certain: The new Tower Tee will have legions of devoted followers who will be happy to see the beloved South County institution operating again.
See renderings of the new layout in the gallery below:
