Sunset Ridge Golf Links, off River Road in Westbrook, has been closed since 2010. A group headed by Dr. Allen Hayman of Falmouth has plans to renovate the 18-hole course and possibly open 10 holes this summer.

Others involved in the pro-ject are golf professionals Jack Kelly of South Portland and David Grygiel of Windham, and Mike Smith, a former general manager and superintendent at Mere Creek Golf Course in Brunswick.

Hayman, an anesthesiologist, purchased the property in foreclosure in February. The group has hired David Cummings of Downeast Golf Design and Construction. Cummings has submitted a master plan for the renovation.

Sunset Ridge encompasses 231 acres, said Kelly. Along with 18 holes, the property includes a driving range, a nine-hole par-3 course, miniature golf, a pool, tennis courts and a 9,500-square foot clubhouse.

“Our goal is to have a real playable course that’s in great shape,” said Kelly.

For years the place was known as Ponderosa Golf. It had miniature golf, a driving range and the par-3 course. All were quite popular. A nine-hole course was added in 2000, followed by a second nine. The back nine has potential but still needs much upgrading.

“The biggest thing is the rock removal along with the fairways being redone,” Kelly said of the second nine.

Cummings said not enough top soil was brought in for the back nine construction. His plan for course renovation includes renovating greens, fairways and bunkers, along with area for 51 house lots.

“We plan on adding 29 bunkers and some new tees,” said Cummings, who won the 1994 Maine Open. “We want to get the course up and running. When completed, it will be a good addition to the upscale public courses in the area.”

Kelly said the immediate plans are to open miniature golf, the driving range and the par-3 course as soon as possible. They also hope to have the first floor of the clubhouse open.

Next will include the front nine and the 18th hole. The course will soon start selling memberships.

“Hopefully by the end of July, we’ll have 10 holes open,” said Kelly.

Kelly points out that the golf course has been idle for about a year and a half. “The grass was 18 inches long,” he said.

The beginning of a lot of work to get the front nine ready has started. Kelly foresees Sunset Ridge as a 12-month recreational facility with golf in the spring, summer and fall, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter. There are plans to have a winter golf school on site.

“Because of the amenities, there’s a lot for people to do here,” he said. “The front nine has rolling hills and streams. The back nine has turkeys and deer roaming around. You wouldn’t realize it’s only four miles from downtown Portland. The back nine greens are really nice. They were made to USGA specifications.”

TEE TO GREEN: The LPGA Symetra Tour (Futures Tour) won’t be holding a tournament at the Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth next year. The club and Green Tree Event Consultants of Falmouth, a management company hired by the LPGA, couldn’t reach a financial agreement.

Three-time Maine Amateur champion Ryan Gay of Pittston has left the University of New Mexico and plans to transfer to another Division I school for his senior year.

“I just wasn’t playing well,” said Gay. “I was getting too technical with my swing instead of just playing. Plus, I wasn’t a fan of desert golf. I really had a hard time acclimating myself to the area from Day 1.”

Gay didn’t play for the Lobos this spring. He said he will have a better idea of what school he will attend in a couple of weeks. He will defend titles at both the Paul Bunyan and the Maine Amateur in June and July. He has won each the last two years.

The Srixon Senior Golf League is extending an invitation to new players and teams in its sixth season. The league has seven tournaments in July and August. Tournaments are on Tuesdays, with tee times starting at 8 a.m. The opening tournament is July 10 at Martindale Country Club. For more information, contact Blaine Davis at 899-9778 or blaine7@maine.rr.com. Players must reach their 50th birthday by the date of their first league tournament. The cost per tournament is $35, but only $15 when a tournament is held at a player’s home club.

Dick Harris of Harris Golf, owner of Falmouth Country Club where the Hannaford Community Challenge of the Legends Tour will be played in June, feels the tournament will draw good crowds. One reason? How fast the volunteer positions were scooped up. When the call went out for volunteers, the 200 slots sold out in one day.

“And they had to pay to be a volunteer,” said Harris. “But they will get perks like a hat, golf shirt, premium parking and lunch every day.”

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH