Downed trees litter the fairways of Rozella Ford Golf Course in Warsaw where nearly 200 trees are being cut down due to disease and poor quality. (Photos by Stacey Page)

While it may look like a war zone at Rozella Ford Golf Course this week, Jeff Johnson assures the progress will be quick and the results aesthetically pleasing.

Johnson, whom StaceyPageOnline.com confirmed last month has taken over the operations of the course with the goal of ownership (See story), is cutting down nearly 200 trees at the course. “We’re taking out ash trees, that were infected with the emerald ash borer, and soft maples which just aren’t right for a golf course,” explained Johnson. “There were also just too many trees for a golf course planted 30 years ago.”

Last month, Johnson consulted with Ligonier forester Christopher Egolf on the 780-plus trees at the course and a determination was made that the ash trees all needed to be destroyed. “There were many trees that were obviously dead, near death, or presented significant risk to buildings or players,” wrote Egolf in his findings.

The soft maples, according to Johnson, are also not conducive for aesthetics. “They just look droopy and ugly,” Johnson said. “Plus, every time the wind blows there’s a lot of sticks to be picked up.”

When the trees are finally cleared, Johnson will be replanting about 60 trees – including hard maples, Cleveland Select pear trees, Norway Spruce trees and River Birch trees. “When we’re done we’ll have about 640 total trees out here and they will be properly placed,” he added. “We’re in the process of pruning the other trees in what will be a 10-year tree program. We’re making this course pretty again.”

Johnson is investing roughly $300,000 into improvements and renovations at Rozella Ford. Among the biggest expenditures will be repairing the drainage issue on the driving range. He explained, “That’s going to be a huge expense but something we have to do.”

Improvements inside are also underway. With Deb Wiggins as president of Rozella Ford LLC, Johnson said the logistics of the operations are being well handled. What was formerly a bar area is being renovated and will even welcome children during dinner hours.

Although no chef has yet been hired, Johnson assured, “The food will be good. It’ll be burgers and steaks and basic things necessary for a golf course, but my vision is to have no processed burger. I need to eat here five days a week so it will be good food!”

Rozella Ford Golf Course will be open and ready for spring play, with an open house event slated for some time around the first of April.

Johnson and golf pro Jeff Shoemaker say there are now over 100 members and more than a half-dozen golf outings planned at the course for 2013.