Golfers and non-golfers have been enjoying the scenic charms of The Oaks Course for many years.
First conceptualized as a 9-hole course by the legendary Bobby Jones in 1933, The Oaks opened as an 18-hole golf course in 1990. The semi-private course offers several amenities for both members and the general public. A practice facility, putting green and banquet hall are just some of the services the course features. Their golf shop allows players to special order any merchandise they desire.
"The golf course is in superb condition, which is an anomaly right now," said Dick Shultz, director of golf operations. "We’ve been getting an awful lot of compliments from a lot of different people. We have people coming in from private and semi-private clubs. In fact, we just got 20 new members this month alone, most moving from another golf course to this one."
Members have access to discounts on soft goods in the golf shop, banquet hall, handicap services and all meals. Members are able to reserve tee times up to 14 days, whereas the public have seven days to make their reservations. The course also offers specials during certain hours of the day; children, as long as they are playing with a full playing adult, pay a dollar a hole. However, the course requires players to call in advance for these specials.
Golfers needing to tune up their golf swing can make an appointment with PGA professional Class A certified teacher Andy Bowman, who has been with the course for 16 years.
Curtis Singleton, The Oaks’ golf course superintendent, is responsible for the green, fairway, and tees. His work and maintenance of the course has received praises from all over.
"He’s talk of the town right now," Shultz said. "His green is as good as any. I’ve been to $50,000 to $70,000 a year membership golf courses and the greens Curtis produce is better in almost every case."
Golfers are not the only ones who visit The Oaks. Putters Restaurant features delicious favorites like burgers, onion rings, salads, wraps and homemade soup. The restaurant, headed by certified chef and food and beverage manager Kevin Ekiss, serves breakfast and lunch daily from daylight until dark. The restaurant also offers a take out service and extensive catering menu for special events in the restaurant’s Champions Room.
The course holds Men’s Golf Association 9-hole league on Monday nights. Each member competes for the most points; the winner will get their OMGA golf trip paid in full and first and second half winners will have their half of their trip paid.
The Oaks also has a reputation for hosting numerous charity events throughout the year. They have helped the Cure Foundation raise nearly a million dollars over the years. Last year, they hosted the Miracle Field charity event that raised over $20,000.
The facility will be hosting a variety of upcoming events, like The Oaks Open tournament (Aug. 14 and 15), Club championship (Aug. 28 and 29) and Crowell-Rawlins Memorial for Miracle Field (Sept. 17).
"If you’re not happy with condition of golf course, we offer a money back guarantee," Shultz said. "We started this offer back in March and have yet to receive a request for a refund on green fees. Like any product that offers a money-back guarantee — which usually means they’re pretty confident in their product — we’re very confident in our product."
