Notable and quotable

Turnabout is fair play.

State Rep. Chris Turner has filed a bill in Austin that would award Texas’ electoral votes on a proportional basis, but only if another state does the same thing.

Now why, you may ask.

According to Frontburner, a Dallas Observer blog, Turner, a Democrat from Grand Prairie who also represents parts of Arlington, filed the bill because Republican lawmakers in several swing states introduced similar bills where the winner-take-all system would be replaced by one where electors are awarded based on the percentage of the vote won.

While the idea may have some appeal, it would weaken Democrat voting power in some of those states, so much so that it would have drastically cut into President Barack Obama’s 126 electoral-vote landslide.

If that kind of system were applied here, Texas’ 38 electoral votes would no longer be so firmly stuck in the Republican camp, the blog post stated.

Of course, Dems might come to regret such a measure once the unstoppable demographic tide turns Texas blue, the writer noted.

“But the measure would have to pass before it could inspire regret, something the Republican-dominated legislature does not seem keen on doing.” the post said.

Changes at Rolling Hills

In Feb. 3, Rolling Hills Country Club and its members said farewell to its original 18 golf holes. The member-owned country club announced last year a complete golf course redesign with new hole arrangements, green complexes, fairway bunker additions and a state-of-the-art irrigation system.

The new course will be significantly longer than the present course, and added bunkers and water hazards will increase the difficulty of play.

Rolling Hills has been an Arlington hallmark since 1954, and through this renovation project it hopes to improve the membership experience as well as the community at large.

“This is the first significant improvement we’ve made to our course since the original 18 holes were completed back in 1963, ” said Vince Pellman, the club’s longtime head golf pro. “Our members have waited a very long time for this and are well-deserving of such an enhancement to their club.”

That Sunday was a day of mixed emotions as a major chapter in the club’s history came to an end. Sixteen of the club’s longest-tenured members were placed in foursomes and closed the original course by playing the 18th hole.

The players were paired together based on the year they joined the club and were all welcomed at the green by an amphitheater of members and golf carts. Members who were unable to play the hole were surrounded at the green by family, friends and fellow members as they each sunk a short putt. They were serenaded with applause and admiration for their years of membership and support of the club.

The last putt was holed by, Dr. B.J. Mycoskie, who was the team doctor for the Rangers for many years and joined Rolling Hills on Sept. 1, 1954, as one of the founding members.

After the ceremony, all members were invited to go to the No. 17 green to help destroy it. This green is renowned for being one of the most difficult greens to putt on the entire course, and very few were sad to see it go.

The participating members drove their carts on the green, took divots out of it with their clubs, dug holes with shovels, and inflicted damage and destruction to the green.

“I’ve missed that green so many times with my approach shot,” one member said, “so at least today I can take out my frustrations!”

The scene was filled with laughter and satisfaction as members knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Demolition of the historic old course began on Feb. 4. The new, completely re-designed course is expected to open in late August or early September. It should be noted that many of the area golf clubs and courses are giving Rolling Hills members discounted prices during this period of construction, so they can hone their skills for use on the new course, which promises to be challenging.

Tom Orndorf, the club president, conveyed the thanks of all of the members to those courses participating in this discount program.

The club has been working with golf course architect John Colligan, whose past renovation projects include: Stevens Park, Luna Vista (both in Dallas), and Squaw Valley in Glen Rose, to name a few.

The grill and banquet rooms will remain open through the renovation period. Information: 817-274-1072 or Vicki@Rolling-Hills.net.

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