For local golfers, the wait is over
It?s been a long time coming, but a public golf course is back on Warren County soil. I?m not sure how many years it?s been since the closing of Woodland Hills, but the wait for a new public course is finally over.
Last week Mr. Nunley and myself had the privilege of playing the Reserve at Collins River golf course, and I must say it was more than an enjoyable experience.
Only a 10-minute drive from the office, the course was a welcome sight as we made our way to the foot of Harrison Ferry Mountain. Years of driving to Manchester or Smithville are finally over.
The one worry I had about this course was the potential for it being just another cow pasture, but those worries quickly disappeared after teeing the ball up on the first hole.
Now, by no means is this course completely finished. There are still several things to be done, such as cart paths and maturing of the rough. But it is certainly a golf course all of Warren County can be proud of.
The holes are long, but laid out with great care in making your round very enjoyable. The golf course has been carefully designed to match the natural terrain, which is very evident on each hole.
The course is very challenging for experienced golfer, but not overwhelming for beginners.
It has rolling hills, blind tee shots, holes downhill and up, and tiered greens which ? once given time to mature ? will be a challenge for anyone.
I?m not sure if they have designated a signature hole yet, but I can tell you from my own experience it has to be No. 7, a 175-yard par 3. This hole has three deep Scottish-style bunkers and a huge mound in the back of the green, which matches the contour of the mountain behind it. It?s intimidating, but the layout is spectacular.
The whole course is designed to create a relaxing feeling, and I can say it works. Not one time all day did Mr. Nunley lose his composure. Even on a stray shot every now and then, the serenity of the golf course held his temper in check.
For so many years, local golfers have been screaming for a public course. Well now we have one, and it?s up to each and every one of us to go out and support it.
It?s going to take a few years for the course to completely mature, but the most important thing is it?s open now and anyone can go out and spend the afternoon or morning enjoying a round of golf.
The one thing I believe a lot of people are going to particularly enjoy is the atmosphere and the view, and you really don?t have to be a golfer to take advantage of the grounds. The wrap-around porch at the clubhouse offers a relaxing setting for those who just want to go out and enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the mornings or cold drink in the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
The point I?m trying to make is, it?s something folks have been waiting on for a long time. And the only way to make it successful is for the good people of Warren County to take advantage of everything the Reserve at Collins River has to offer.
The O?Neals have done an outstanding job of making sure your experience at the Reserve will be a pleasant one.
And for right now the nine-hole course is more than enough to satisfy any golfer, but there are plans to expand the course to 18 holes. But just remember it?s up to you, the ones who for years have had to travel out of town to play, to help get this course off and running.