Volunteers Joe Evans, Bob Gainer, and Bill Evick worked to install nearly 4,000 feet of new water lines at Holly Meadows Golf Course to provide adequate water to the greens.
By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
Beginning over the winter months, the Holly Meadows Golf Course Clubhouse underwent significant renovations during the off season. Deborah Chapman, Vice President of the Tucker County Parks and Recreation Commission, stated, “The whole, entire clubhouse was gutted.” New cabinetry was installed along with a new sink and counter, paneling, flooring in the kitchen, carpet in the dining area plumbing, and lighting.
Tom Gutshall, President of the Golf Course and board member of the TCPRC, added, “There’s just been a lot of improvements made down there.” In addition to the interior work, a new water system was installed, which hasn’t been done since the opening of the course in the late 1950s to early 1960s. The funds to make these improvements were through donations of sponsors as well as the golf tournaments hosted by the course. According to Gutshall, there were numerous leaks in the water lines which prevented the greens from being adequately watered.
One of the many volunteers performing the work, Bob Gainer, added that it seemed new leaks were appearing in the lines on a daily basis. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it took a while for the needed supplies to come in; however, once they did work began while the course remained open. “We’ve been open every day,” Gainer stated. At the conclusion of the project, nearly 4,000 feet of pipe was installed.
Gutshall shared the desires for future projects at the golf course to include building up and redoing the tees as well as getting water to those. “We just appreciate all the people who donated time to make the course what it is.” The membership has grown to nearly 100 members with an increase in women and younger players frequenting the facility. The Tucker County High School Golf Team also utilizes this course for practices as well as home meets. “This course is as good as any course around,” added Gutshall.
“All of this was done with volunteer labor,” Chapman also said. Gainer as well as Gutshall agreed that the improvements would not have been possible without the tournaments, donations, and volunteer work.
The Holly Meadows Golf Course Facebook page has numerous pictures displaying the improvements made to the facility for anyone interested.
