Though they’ve only had a few opportunities, local golfers have experienced Austin’s newest golf opportunities, and some of them like what they see.

“The way he has it set up, it flows really great,” said Bobee Hyland of Austin. “It’s nice to have 27 holes, too — good for variety.”

Bobee Hyland gives a few pointers to her mom, Patti Lang, before teeing off at Meadow Greens last Monday afternoon. — Matt Peterson/matt.peterson@austindailyherald.com

Hyland refers to what was formerly the River Oaks golf course. Meadow Greens owner Mike Grinstead entered a long-term lease agreement with River Oaks owner Mike Olson in February to start a new venture. Grinstead took over the River Oaks 18-hole course and transformed it into what is now the Ramsey nine-hole course. Meadow Greens and the River Oaks, which were for many years separated by only a thin patch of woods, have now become one 27-hole experience.

Golfers like Hyland, who have been longtime members of Meadow Greens, can venture the winding pathways through the woods and play Ramsey. On Monday, April 29, with temperature creeping into the 70s, plenty of enthusiasts tried the new nine-hole course, including Brady Klingfus. Monday was the first time he played the course this year.

“I like it,” he said. “I’m actually going to enjoy that there is a bigger course today.”

The Ramsey nine-hole course uses what Grinstead considered the best nine of 18 holes from the former River Oaks. Several low-lying holes along the Cedar River were routinely saturated each year. Some of those holes have been eliminated. The hole numbering is completely different, and hole No. 7 is a brand-new hole altogether.

Still, the changes can’t stop some avid golfers from bombing the greens, including Tom Winkels, who has already attached his name to the first hole-in-one on No. 7. AJ Reid has also claimed a hole-in-one on No. 5 at Meadow Greens.

So far, Grinstead is happy with the way things have turned out. Sunday, April 28, Grinstead said more than a hundred eager golfers enjoyed the nice weather. And with the 27-hole layout, they were able to keep moving.

“We had over 100 players on the course, but it wasn’t backed up,” Grinstead said.

While the Ramsey course is a big change, golfers will still pay the same rates offered by Meadow Greens for nine, 18 or 27 holes, as well as the same membership fees.

Among 27 holes, the facility also has a driving range, practice green and pro shop.

Meadow Greens is located at 25238, 540th Ave., Austin.

—Rocky Hulne contributed to this report.