Golf Guide 2024

A look at area course offerings for 2024

Men’s Am set for 88 th year starting July 31 at Bartlett

McKean, Elk, Potter & Cameron Counties offer plenty of golfing options

“The only sure rule in golf is he, who has the fastest golf cart never has to play the bad lie.”

-Mickey Mantle

St. Bonaventure Golf Course favors aesthetic changes ahead of season

By SPENCER BATES Special to the Golf Guide

ST. BONAVENTURE — The

St. Bonaventure Golf Course is officially open for business and despite early-season wet conditions, is expecting another great year.

The course remains largely unchanged with a few minor updates that have been made to increase player satisfaction according to course director Steve Campbell and course superintendent Mike Tate.

Aside from a new standard, senior and forward tee box in the works on the long par three ninth hole, the majority of the updates to the course have been aesthetic.

“We’re kind of landlocked on course layout; we’re kind of at where we are at,” Campbell said. “The patterns or contours of some of the fairways have changed in the last several years to kind of give it a little different look, shape it a little bit differently where we can. But, aesthetically it looks appropriate and it’s been well received.”

Tate added, “We don’t have any big plans where we’re gonna go tear this part of the course up and replant, we don’t do

that. We just kind of go with the flow a little bit every year. We add a little flower bed or the fencing we put up three years ago is a nice touch … Just little things like that we do as we go.”

And as simple as it sounds, signage has been a big factor in the success of the course. With the unique location directly next to the St. Bonaventure Cemetery, it used to be that people had a hard time finding the course in the first place. With a number of players coming from out of town, the lack of signage was an issue and a fix that saw a big change for the better.

“For the longest time, there wasn’t great signage,” Campbell said. “That was the biggest challenge we had. Guests and people out of town would say ‘How do you get to it?’ Now, there’s proper signage down on Route 417, signage out on 7th Street, with the golf course being front and center, along with the pavilion, identifying where we’re at. We have a lot of play from out of town and people that don’t play here on a regular basis. So, from that standpoint, that’s been positive.”

While the additions may seem minor, Campbell said that it has made for an overall more enjoyable experience for the golfer, something that he does not take for granted. A few flower beds here and there, new fences and updates to ponds —

making them true water hazards — have contributed to the course seeing an uptick in players.

“The last couple seasons have been exceptionally busy,” Campbell said. “Memberships have grown (and) the game of golf is in a pretty good spot right now. Really coming out of COVID is when things really picked back up, in my opinion. The course has been in great shape for the last several years and we’re looking forward to a great season.”

But the work doesn’t stop when the course opens up for the season. Working within the confines of their maintenance budget, Tate and his crew always have something they will be working on to continue to enhance the course.

able to see carts out and about because of the wet conditions. Still, he remains confident it won’t stay too wet for too long.

“The amount of rain we’re getting is good for our water table, I think it’s making up for that lack of snowfall,” Tate said. “But it’s also creating a very wet golf course and we haven’t been able to get the carts out on it. A lot of our holes have a little bit of a downhill slope that holds water a little bit. But it’ll dry up, the course takes water very well.”

On weekdays, it costs a golfer $15 without a cart. A cart for nine holes costs $25 and $30 for 18 holes. On weekends, walking costs $18, with a cart, nine holes costs $28 and 18 holes costs $33.

“We work within our budget, but it’s never ending,” Tate said. “From getting here in the morning until closing at night, we’re always mowing something, we’re always trimming something, we’re constantly putting out fertilizers and things of that nature. You can always find things to do on a golf course.”

What the course didn’t get from a relatively dry winter, it has gotten from a very rainy start to the spring. Tate said that all the rain has made up for the lack of weather over the winter. The course, while it does hold water well, has not been

A single adult membership to the course costs $425, a family membership $600, a college/junior membership $225 and a single senior citizen membership $325.

With picturesque views of the valley and mountains from numerous tees and hole locations, the St. Bonaventure Golf Course boasts a playing experience truly unique for golfers. And this season, with the amount of care and time that goes into keeping that true, Campbell and Tate are hoping for the positive trend to continue.

Spencer Bates/Olean Times Herald

Players and maintenance workers co-exist as the grounds crew works daily to get and keep the course in its best condition.

A look at area course offerings for 2024

Elkdale’s P.U.N.T. fundraiser among local benefits

By SAM WILSON Special to the Golf Guide

SALAMANCA —

Come Aug. 7, the holes at Elkdale Country Club will look a little wider.

The 18-hole golf course will hold a special fundraiser tournament this summer for the P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative (formerly named the P.U.N.T. Foundation). Founded by former Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman in 2004, the charity assists Western New York families dealing with effects of pediatric cancer.

Called the “Big Hole Tournament,” the benefit will see Elkdale switch out its 18 holes for eight-inch holes, golf operations manager Janice Mendell noted.

Elkdale opened earlier this month for the season, though as of mid-April it was still waiting for warmer weather before getting carts out on the course. By May, it should be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public can book tee times a week out online at www.elkdalecc.com. The golf shop can be reached at 716-945-5533, extension 1.

Elkdale Bar and Grill is also open to the public daily for lunches as well as Friday fish fry dinners and Sunday morning breakfast.

Here’s a capsule look at what some area courses in New York have to offer this season:

Bartlett Country Club

Olean’s 18-hole private country club golf course is open for the season. To get in contact with Bartlett, call 716372-5175 or visit the website at www. bartlettcountryclub.com to learn about memberships at the club, which also includes a heated swimming pool and tennis courts.

The site of the SWNY/NWPA Men’s Amateur tournament, Bartlett is host to many championship-level events.

Benefit tournaments scheduled for the summer at Bartlett include the Colt 45 Golf Tournament July 15-16 and Coaches vs Cancer Golf Tournament on Aug. 26.

Wellsville Country Club

In his first year as club professional, Terry Stiltner has a busy summer planned at Wellsville Country Club.

Golf lessons are available as well as a practice range and a fully stocked golf shop, the longtime golf pro Stiltner with experience at courses including Bartlett Country Club, said. The semi-private club on Riverside Drive offers memberships and public play on the 18-hole course.

Wellsville takes tee times up to seven days in advance, available by calling the golf shop at 585-593-6337. The course is typically open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Benefit tournaments on the schedule for this summer include: the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce outing (June 6), Alfred University golf outing (June 7), Alfred State College (June 14), Jones Memorial Hospital (June 28), Jason Amore Memorial outing (July 12), Jason Dunham Memorial outing (July 27).

Birch Run Golf Club

Allegany’s nine-hole course on Birch Run Road is up and running, starting April 1 through Oct. 31. Expected hours are 8 a.m. until dusk.

To contact the club, call 716-3733113, visit www.birchrungolfclub.com or visit on Facebook at Birch Run Golf Club.

Benefit tournaments include the Frank Martin Memorial on June 15 and the Olean Hospitality tourney on July 20.

Holiday Valley Double Black Diamond Golf Course

Holiday Valley’s 18-hole course in Ellicottville has opened for the season.

Typical hours are 8 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends until dark.

To reach the golf shop, call 716-6993939.

Scheduled for May 20, Double Black Diamond will host Par for a Purpose, a tournament hosted by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce benefitting the 11-Day Power Play.

Bolivar Golf Club

Bolivar Golf Club planned to open for the season on Saturday, April 20, weather permitting.

Bolivar GC is typically open for tee times starting at 8 a.m. through 5:30 p.m.

To contact the club, call 585-9281266 or visit the Bolivar Golf Club page on Facebook.

Allegheny Hills Golf Course

On Hardys Corners Road in Cuba, golfers can find Allegheny Hills, an 18hole course.

Already opened in the spring depending on weather, the course typically is open at 8 a.m.

To get in contact with the course, call 585-437-2163 or visit the Allegheny Hills Golf Course Facebook page.

Benefit tournaments this season include: New Directions on June 7, Winning Olean Back on July 20, Big Moose on July 27, Belfast Lions on Aug. 3, Rushford Conservation Club on Aug. 10, Cuba AmVets on Aug. 18 and Weatherby Memorial on Aug. 24.

Ischua Valley Country Club

• NY-16, Franklinville, NY 14737

• 716-676-3630

• 9 hole course, two different sets of tees

• Open since March. Usually sunrise to sunset

• 9 holes with a cart $24 18 with a cart is $33

• Contact information: 716-676-3630. On Facebook Ischua Valley Country Club and IschuaValleyCC.com

Cardinal Hills Golf Course

On Conewango Road in Randolph, the 18-hole Cardinal Hills course is typically open from 7 a.m. to dusk.

To contact the course, call 716-3585409, check its Facebook page or visit www.cardinalhillsny.com.

Cardinal Hills’ 2024 benefit tournaments include The “Dude Open” for cystic fibrosis on July 17, the Jamestown JockShop Tournament for leukemia on Aug. 25 and the Randolph Lions Club tourney on Sept. 11.

Serenity Hill Golf Course

Located on County Road 31, Serenity Hill is Friendship’s nine hole course. The course can be contacted at 585973-8882.

Bavarian Hills

Now celebrating our 34th year of serving golfers, diners, bar patrons and everyone else who made their way to one of the HOTTEST spots in the St. Marys area.

Our golf course just keeps getting better and is maintained with only the highest standards of excellence.

After a great round of golf stop in the Hills Restaurant for a delicious, mouth-watering meal served by a friendly, courteous staff that is always here to make sure you enjoy your visit time after time.

To keep up to date on current events and specials at the Hills, follow us on Facebook or check out our new website bavarianhillsgolf.net to make online tee times.

Brian Jacobs / Business Manager

Union Tee to offer unique indoor golf experience

Olean’s new public golf simulation space to open in mid-May

By J.P. BUTLER Special to the Golf Guide

OLEAN — Bob Forness and his buddies would inevitably circle back to the same conversation.

They’d finish a round of golf in early autumn, when the weather begins to turn and the realization sets in that, in Western New York, the window for this sport is beginning to close shut. And, without fail, one of them would reiterate their long-held belief:

“Somebody needs to open (an indoor golf) simulator.”

The indoor virtual golf experience has been exploding in popularity over the last half-decade. The Buffalo area is dotted with such operations. The Olean YMCA has offered a multi-modal Sim Zone Golf Simulator for the last three years. One local even built one in an out-building on his farm, Allegany Garage Golf, which is located on Smith Hollow Road and available to the public. But there was no such set-up in a public Olean space that was available yearround and centered entirely on the golf outing experience.

Enter Union Tee Golf.

If the name alone sounds familiar, it should. Union Tee resides in the same building as the former Union Tea Cafe,

near the corner of North Union and West Sullivan streets. It’s the brainchild of Forness and five other partners, who cleverly changed just the one letter to reflect the current business and who, after years of discussion, have managed to make their vision a reality.

“(The question was), how do we keep playing golf without having to travel, either to Florida or South Carolina (for the warm weather) or to a simulator in Buffalo?” asked Forness, an Allegany native and president of the Olean Business Development Corp. “I’ve had some involvement with other simulators around the state, but our thought was, let’s create one of our own in Olean.”

Union Tee, which is set to open in mid-May, will feature two “simulator

bays,” both of which can be reserved in (most likely) either one-, two- or fourhour increments by groups of between one and four.

Golfers will hit off a mat into a 13foot wide by 10-foot tall screen in front of them.

“The simulator then registers all of the data the second contact is made with the ball,” Forness noted. “It records the launch angle, spin rate, ball speed, all of that, and then it can tell where that shot would go after contact is made. Would it be dead straight down the middle 250 yards or would it be a big ‘ol slice that goes 180 yards and 40 yards sideways?

“It can determine all of that.”

Union Tee boasts the latest technology from Foresight Sports called the Falcon Simulator. The program features a driving range mode and multiple formats for putting, including options for an automatic two-putt and “gimme” range. It also abides by actual golf etiquette, where the low-man has tee honors and the furthest ball back is the next to hit.

They invested in the technology and they found the space — the Union Tea building has atypically high ceilings and plenty of room for both bays (one that was built in the former dining room, the other in the kitchen area), plus a lounge area, making it perfect for such an offering.

And now they want folks to be able to enjoy a fun, out-of-season golf option … and even more than that. Union Tee will also have televisions that will show seasonal sporting events and seating. It’s also in the process of applying for a beer and liquor license, which could be in place by October and November, when the weather truly starts to turn.

To Forness’ group, Union Tee is about more than just golf, it’s about creating an overarching — and affordable — experience.

For all those back pains after a bad round.

Come see us for all of your pain relief.

Additionally, golfers can play over 40 real courses, including Pebble Beach, St. Andrew’s and several other “classics.” Perhaps the coolest characteristic: the program sent a drone through to simulate with incredible accuracy what these holes feel, and play like, in real life. One can hear the water hitting the rocks or birds chirping or be tested by the wind that was blowing through that day.

“So, say I’m on the first hole at Pebble Beach, and it’s a dog leg right and it’s 180 yards to the end of the dog leg,” Forness pointed out. “I hit that shot, and based on the ball data that’s being registered, it then translates that shot to the hole that you’re playing.

“You’re watching your ball as if you’re playing the actual first hole at Pebble Beach.”

To bring their idea to life, Forness and his colleagues essentially needed only the launch monitor and the space.

“We wanted to create a place where you can go in, sit and relax with your friends and kind of do what you would do in the summer, but in the winter,” Forness said. “Watch a football game or a basketball game. It’s basically sort of a sports bar, lounge and golf all in one.”

Of the cost, which will be set by the hour, Forness added, “We don’t want to glut people, we want people to be able to afford it. But it’s also a new business, so we gotta make sure we price it accordingly. We don’t want to undercut people.”

Forness and company still have to finish their welcome control center and do a bit of painting. But they’re on pace to open within the next few weeks. More information and photos can be found on the company’s Facebook page, Union Tee Golf, or by visiting unionteegolf.com.

“We know we’re opening in maybe a strange part of the year (with most actual golf courses now open and the weather warming up),” Forness acknowledged. “We figure that will give us time to work out the kinks and really learn how to use this equipment so we’ll really be clicking by the fall.”

Blueberry Hill Golf Club was opened on May 27, 1961 as a nine hole course. Designed by golf course architects James Harrison and Ferdinand Garbin, the course was expanded to its present 18 holes in June of 1970.

Playing at 6428 yards from the white tees, accuracy, rather than length, is required to score well at Blueberry. After a good drive into one of the many tree lined and sloping fairways, even more emphasis is placed on an accurate approach shot.

Players will need to avoid steep banks, grass bunkering, and the five ponds that guard Blueberry’s greens. Imagination, along with a good short game, will be required to compensate for a miss.

With a back to front slope, a key element to scoring well at Blueberry Hill, is to keep the ball below the hole, where you’ll have the best chance at birdie or par.

Twilight Golf

Any day after 5:30pm

Play all you can until dark

$22 per person (includes cart)

Saturday - Sunday - Holidays

After 2:00pm

18 Holes (includes cart)

$35

Cardinal Hills GOLF COURSE

Nestled in the hills of Cattaraugus County, Cardinal Hills in Randolph, NY is conveniently located just 2 miles off I-86, exit 16 and accessible to golfers from all over the area.

Originally founded in 1927 Cardinal Hills has developed into a beautiful 18 hole – par 72 course. Gentle rolling hills and undulations provide an enjoyable yet challenging golf experience and the scenic views and natural rural settings which surround the course are one of a kind.

Additional amenities include pro shop merchandise, dining and a relaxed bar atmosphere. Weekday and weekend rates are very reasonable – stop by to see what Cardinal Hills has to offer, we’d love to meet you!

Men’s Am set for 88th year starting July 31 at Bartlett

By SAM WILSON Special to the Golf Guide

OLEAN — The SWNY/NWPA Men’s Amateur will return for its 88th annual match-play tournament in mid-summer.

The 2024 “Men’s Am,” as it’s commonly known, is set for July 31-Aug. 4 at Bartlett Country Club. The tournament has a new website, which can be visited at www.swnynwpa.com.

Penn-York sets five dates through July for 2024

By SAM WILSON Special to the Golf Guide

The deadline to sign up for the 2024 Penn-York Junior Golf League season is set for June 28, leading up to a five-week season at five different courses on both sides of the state border.

The Penn-York league, founded in 1970, gives young golfers an opportunity to play in a tournament setting.

Last year, the league had 100 registrants before Week 1. The league is divided by age groups for both boys and girls. The age groups are as follows:

Division I boys (18 holes, ages 16-18), Division II boys (18 holes, ages 14-15), Division III boys (9 holes, ages 12-13), Division IV boys (modified, ages 8-11), Division I girls (ages 14-18), Division III girls (9 holes, ages 12-13), Division IV (modified, ages 8-11).

The golfer with the lowest 18-hole stroke average is awarded the Davis Memorial Trophy, while the 10 lowest averages receive invitations to the SWNY-NWPA Men’s Amateur Tournament, Bartlett’s annual match-play

tournament. The 16 lowest averages are invited to the Betty Bergreen Invitational at Bartlett. Penn-York also awards a Kevin Forrest Memorial trophy to a golfer who exhibited “love for the game of golf, integrity, good sportsmanship, enjoys the camaraderie of the game and good-spirited competition, and perseverance – that never give up attitude,” according to the league website.

The entry fee remains $60, which covers all five tournaments, which run weekly on Mondays from July 1 through July 29. For more information, contact pennyork1970@gmail.com.

The 2024 schedule of Penn-York Tournaments:

• July 1: Elkdale Country Club, Salamanca

• July 8: The Pennhills Club, Bradford, Pa.

• July 15: Wellsville Country Club, Wellsville

• July 22: Pine Acres Country Club, Bradford, Pa.

• July 29: Bartlett Country Club, Olean

The tournament unofficially starts with a shootout of former champions before the medal round on Wednesday, an 18-hole qualifier that sorts the field, the top 32 going to the Championship Flight and next 32 into the First Flight, with 16 players each in the following flights. With the field set, a match-play bracket takes shape starting Thursday for 18-hole matches each round until the 36-hole championship.

The 2023 tournament marked the second with the senior flight (ages 65 and up) available, a tournament within a tournament with its own medal and championship.

Last year, the tournament welcomed 132 main entrants and 10 senior flight golfers to Bartlett. In 2023, Corey Haas of Bartlett was both medalist (his third time) with an opening round score of 65 and a first-time champion. Haas won the 36-hole championship match 5-and-4 over record champion Chris Blocher.

It was a long time coming for Haas, who first played in the tournament 14 years earlier and made the final in 2014.

“I’ve been grinding away at a title for a long time,” Haas said during the 2023 trophy presentation on a blisteringly hot Sunday afternoon. “I took a few-years hiatus with my new job, but after that, it was nice to be able to get back out and give it a run the last couple years and get it done today.”

A 10-time champion, Blocher extended another record by making his 14th championship match.

Speaking with the Times Herald’s J.P. Butler, Haas credited his putting for giving him a chance against the record holder.

“Obviously, there’s great players that have gone up against him for all these years … but not many who can putt with him,” Haas told the Times Herald. “So (we) highlighted that and said, if I can just get a couple of those putts that I tend to make, put a couple of those on him, it can determine the outcome. And I felt like I did that.”

In addition to visiting the website, prospective Men’s Am golfers can contact tournament director Kyle Henzel at henzelkyle@gmail.com.

Jerry Trass/Olean Times Herald

Corey Haas chips during the 87th SWNY/NWPA Men’s Amateur championship match, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, at Bartlett Country Club. Haas won his first Men’s Am title in 2023.

Times Herald file photo

From left, Kaysen Beaver (second place, Division IV Boys), Matthew Beaver (first place, Division II Boys), Owen Wright (Division II Overall Point Winner) and Carter Davis (John Forrest Memorial Most Outstanding Golfer; second place, Division II Boys) all collected trophies out of Cardinal Hills in the July 31, 2023 season-ending fifth stop of the Penn-York Junior Golf League at Bartlett Country Club.

With exciting events on tap in 2024, Pennhills Club is thriving

By ANDY CLOSE Special to the Golf Guide

Don’t mess with a good thing.

The Pennhills Club, nestled among the hills just outside of Bradford on Minard Run Road, has always offered a unique, challenging and fun golf experience, coupled with its fine dining and family atmosphere.

In 2024, the main events that have helped make the Pennhills Club the prestigious place that it is will continue in full force.

“We’re excited for the year,” said Head Golf Pro John Rook. “We don’t have any big changes, but we have a lot of events that are good for the area.”

Among the most noteworthy events every season is the Blaisdell Pro-Am. “Obviously, that’s our big flagship event,” Rook said. “It’s July 22 and 23 (Monday and Tuesday). A total of 72 PGA professionals from all over

the country play in it. Monday is the Pro-Am event with two pros and three amateurs per team with 36 teams, so that’s a total of 180 golfers competing for $35,000 in prizes. On Tuesday, the 72 professionals play 18 holes for a $130,000 prize purse, with $50,000 guaranteed to first place.”

The action kicks off with the Blaisdell Pro-Am Draft Party at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 at the Pennhills Club.

The tournament is named after George Blaisdell, inventor of the Zippo lighter and an avid golfer in his day. More information on the tournament can be found at www.blaisdellproam. com.

Rook also noted the big events that are open to the public, including the Terry Reiley Memorial Tournament, which began in 2015 and is named after local golf legend Terry Reiley.

It’s an event that is for a great cause.

“That’s a two-person better ball on May 11, beginning at 10 a.m.,” noted

Rook. “All of the proceeds benefit the St. Bonaventure and Pitt-Bradford golf teams.”

On June 15, the Howard J. Warfield Golf Open will be held, beginning at 1 p.m.

“That is a benefit for the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department,” noted Rook.

There’s also the always popular Zippo Open, which will be on June 29, beginning at 10 a.m. That is also a two-person better ball.

Kids and Cancer will also have their annual benefit at the club on Sunday, June 2, featuring music, food and more.

“That’s a big event,” Rook said.

All in all, the club is thriving. COVID put a damper on just about everything when it struck in 2020, but one of the few things people could still do was golf. And they did, and Pennhills has continued to thrive long after things have returned to normal.

“The COVID years were big for the golf industry,” Rook said. “It’s slowly picked up in general. People were able to get out and do it safely. We’ve really flourished, and even seen an uptick since then.”

For more information on everything Pennhills has to offer, including membership opportunities, visit their website at www.pennhillsclub.com.

Photo provided

Pennhills Club plays host to several prestigious events, including notably the Blaisdell Pro-Am.

Challenging and Scenic Golf Course

The 6132 yard, par 70 layout is designed to provide an interesting challenge for players of all skill levels. The front nine was built in 1927 and is cut along varied terrain and mature trees. The Back nine was added in 1960, is a bit longer and with larger greens.

Our beautiful 9 hole course is perfect for everyday golfers, tournaments up to 70 players and everything in between.

Be sure to stop in our bar/restaurant for some great food and drinks.

Open 11:00am Everyday.

Ischua Valley Country Club 2024 Membership Application

$125.00 Cart Storage Cart No.

Payment can be made at the time of service, paid via check or credit car in the Admin Office.

Please make checks payable to Play More Golf LLC

Please remit to: Ischua Valley Country Club P.O. Box 187 Franklinville, NY 14737

I agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of the club.

Name: Date:

You will receive event information and club correspondence to the email addresses listed above. You can also view this information on the club website: www.IschuaValleyCC.com

We are social...join us: @ IschuaValleyCountryClub

McKean, Elk, Potter & Cameron Counties offer plenty of golfing options

By ANDY CLOSE Special to the Golf Guide

McKean, Elk, Potter and Cameron Counties offer a number of golf courses with picturesque views, top-notch amenities and much more.

The options are plentiful, and they are all within a short driving distance.

Here’s a look at some of the clubs with additional information and what they have to offer.

SMETHPORT COUNTRY CLUB

Location: Just outside of Smethport on Route 59.

Course: Nine holes

Amenities: Pro shop, club rental, full service bar, club rentals

Membership: Visit smethportcc.com

Non-Membership fees: Nine holes$23 with cart; 18 holes - $36 with cart

Phone number: 814-887-5641

KANE COUNTRY CLUB

Location: 6654 Route 6, Kane

Course: 18 holes, Par 70

Amenities: Pro shop, clubhouse, full service bar

Membership: Visit kanecountryclub. com

Non-Membership fees: Weekdays$15 (walking), $22 (walking); Nine holes - $25 (with cart), $35 (with cart);

Weekends - Nine holes: $18 (walking); 18 holes $25 (walking); Nine holes: 35 (with cart); 18 holes: $45 (with cart)

Phone Number: 814-837-9491

BAVARIAN HILLS

Location: 251 Mulligan Road, St. Marys

Course: 18 holes, Par 72

Amenities: Clubhouse, Pro Shop, The Hills Restaurant and Lounge (also hosts private gatherings), includes full service bar

Membership: Visit bavarianhillsgolf.net

Non-Membership fees: Visit bavarianhillsgolf.net

Phone Number: 814-834-3602

Course: 18 holes, Par 72

Amenities: Mike’s Golf Shop, Clubhouse, Emporium Country Club Restaurant - available for private booking for special events, weddings, meetings, reunions, etc.

Membership: Visit emporiumcc.com

Non-Membership fees: Visit emporiumcc.com

Phone: 814-486-7715

COUDERSPORT GOLF CLUB

LAUREL MILL GOLF COURSE

Location: 230 Bonifels Lane, Ridgway

Course: Nine holes, Par 36

Amenities: Clubhouse, Bar

Membership: Visit facebook.com/ laurelmillgolfcourse/

Non-Membership fees: Visit facebook. com/laurelmillgolfcourse/ Phone: 814-772-1015

EMPORIUM COUNTRY CLUB

Location: 225 Country Club Lane, Emporium

Location: 839 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport

Course: 18 holes, Par 71

Amenities: Pro shop, clubhouse, bar and lounge includes full service bar and dining area

Membership: Visit coudersportgolfclub. com

Non-Membership fees: Visit coudersportgolfclub.com

Phone: 814-274- 9122

Photo provided

Smethport Country Club sits just outside of Smethport on Route 59.

Pine Acres, new owners ready to open their doors to community

By HUNTER O. LYLE Special to the Golf Guide

After six months of being at the helm of the Pine Acres Country Club, the new owners are making their final preparations before the coming of their first peak season.

Last October, Erik Haynoski, Shawn Mosier, Steve Peterson and Brian Steen, all of which are Bradford residents and have grown up in the area, presented the board of directors with an offer to take control of Pine Acres, with hopes of revamping, improving and adding to the property which includes an 18-hole golf course, restaurant and club as well as over 230 acres of grounds. Their bid eventually went through and the group has steadily made progress in creating their vision.

“This has all been really exciting,” said Haynoski, who is the owner operator of BV Mobile Shredding and Keystone Livery Service as well as the head coach of the Bradford baseball team. “What we’re doing for the community is great and I think we’re really creating a good vibe up there that really fits well with the Bradford community and surrounding areas.”

While the golfers have just started taking to the fairways of late, Pine Acres has been a hub of activities throughout the winter months as well. Having miles of snowmobiling trails as well as access for tubing and cross-country skiing, the quartet of new owners have already been serving the public.

“The snowmobile club was awesome to work with. They were very supportive and kept us up to date on all of the trail conditions. It was a good experience,” said Mosier, who is a process engineer at American Refining Group.

“The (snowmobile club) was pivotal because they groomed all of our trails for us at no charge whatsoever. Then, we didn’t charge anyone either, we just passed along that benefit along to try to get people out and enjoy the winter months.”

Now, with the weather warming and sun shining, Pine Acres is readying their spring operations.

After some routine maintenance and restoration of the 110-acre course, including improving the roll of its greens and reclaiming the bunkers, the club has seen a steady influx of golfers since late February and early March, weather permitting. Over the next few weeks, the annual golf leagues will also be starting up. This year, they are moving away from the tradition of having a full-time Pro associated with the club, Pine Acres will still offer lessons, albeit, in a limited capacity.

Along with the staple golf course, which is open to the public, the club is looking to go beyond just golf, instead creating a hub for the community that offers a vast array of family-friendly activities. Of the 232 acres of the property, the golf course and developed grounds

take up 129. The other 93 acres will host spaces for outdoor activities such as camping, mountain biking and hiking. Currently, Pine Acres has 23 campsites that come equipped with stainless steel fire rings, picnic tables, access to electricity and water as well as access to walking trails that follow the Allegheny National Forest. There are also plans to install cabins as well as more basic sites on the property in the near future.

Some other additions the group hopes to bring to the club and community is a disc golf course, pickleball courts, more kid-friendly spaces such as jungle-gyms and the possibility of having events such as live music or movie screenings. Recently, the club welcomed the community for an eclipse viewing party.

“I think it’s something that’s really unique to the area,” said Haynsoki. “We’re bringing in families, we’re pet friendly. We want you to come up and have a drink and a meal, sit down on a picnic table and enjoy music. I think it’s definitely something that this area doesn’t have.”

Another amenity the group had set out to restore and reopen was the

restaurant. This area seats as many as 125 people while the bar and outdoor patio can accommodate 100 people. Currently, there has been progress made on implementing a fully active and efficient kitchen, however it is open sporadically.

“We’re going to go slowly (with the restaurant) and open up as a short-order restaurant. We want to have higher end quality food for the patrons with things that are quicker and easier to do,” said Haynoski. “We really want to make sure we have our ducks in a row before we open.”

At the moment, the restaurant offers high-end bar food as well as pizza and wings, but has plans to offer weekly specials as well as Friday fish fries. For a look at their full menu, visit the Pine Acres Golf & RV Resort Facebook page.

A little under a month ago, four local men had an idea which is now coming into fruition. Their plan to serve the community in which they were raised is becoming complete, a sentiment that is not lost on them.

“A lot of it is the history,” Mosier said. “The families that built that course are still in town and it was on the verge, who knows what would have happened to it. It might have turned into a stone pit, so, being able to bring it back to life and rejuvenate it and bring it back to the community and surrounding areas is great for everybody.”

For more information, call the course at (814) 362-2005, text (814) 989-0592 or visit their website at pineacrescc.com.

“Just having all the support is reassuring that we’re doing the right things,” said Steen, a software engineer supervisor with Cutco. “Everybody is excited to see and believe in all the same views and visions that we have.”

Photo submitted by Eric Haynoski

This season marks the first for the new owners of the Pine Acres Country Club, Eric Haynoski, Shawn Mosier, Steve Peterson and Brian Steen, the four Bradford residents who assumed ownership last October.

COURSE RATES

18 Holes with Cart

9 Holes with Cart

18 Holes Walking

9 Holes Walking

SENIOR RATES

The 10th Annual JVGC Senior Open

Friday, September 13th, 2024

10:00Am Shotgun Start

All players 50 years and older are welcome! All Flights will be balanced based on Age of Players Participating.

Gross Pay-Outs per flight

Format: Individual Stroke Play

Entry: $100 per player. Payment required at sign-up.

Optional $10 per player gross skins within flight

To sign-up call JVGC Pro Shop at (814) 489-7803 or Email Joe Yaegle, JVGC Golf Professional, at jry.hp.jvgc@gmail.com

18 Holes (Weekdays Only)

9 Holes (Weekdays Only)

PINE ACRES

Golf & RV Resort

Discover a hidden treasure nestled in the picturesque Allegheny National Forest of northwestern Pennsylvania - Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort. This 18-hole Championship Course, boasting a 3.5-star rating from Golf Digest Magazine, promises a thrilling challenge with its 136-slope rating, sure to test the skills of even the most seasoned golfers. Under new ownership for the 2024 season and led by the expertise of a new Grounds Superintendent Ron McMaster, Pine Acres welcomes golf enthusiasts year-round (weather permitting). Embark on a memorable family-friendly experience at Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where every detail is tailored to elevate your visit. Our well-stocked Pro Shop, driving range, full-service Restaurant, and Bar ensure you have everything you need for a delightful day on the greens.

As a four-season destination, Pine Acres offers much more than golf. With brand new RV sites featuring 50-amp electric hookups, we invite you to experience nature’s beauty with campsites available in the Spring of 2024. Additionally, our location provides excellent opportunities for hiking and exploration throughout the picturesque Allegheny National Forest. Stay tuned for exciting winter activities like Snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing, and Snow Tubing, ensuring year-round fun for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Since opening in 1965 as a 9-hole course, Pine Acres has evolved into one of northwestern Pennsylvania’s most challenging 18-hole golf destinations, complete with a range of memberships tailored to fit your family’s needs and budget. Enjoy advanced preferred tee times, exclusive tournaments, and convenient membership payment plans when you join our golf community. Planning a special event? Pine Acres is your venue of choice for Weddings, Graduation Parties, and Celebrations. Book your gathering with us and let our dedicated team ensure every moment is picture-perfect.

Visit our website to book your tee time, campsite, or special event today and discover why Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort is where unforgettable memories are made.

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Memberships

: Brad Bova

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

SMETHPORT COUNTRY CLUB 2024

Clubhouse Rental Events & Parties

Showers

Celebrations

Anniversaries

$300 Full Rental

Discount w/ membership

Single Room

$100 (smaller gatherings)

$75 Monday - Thursday

June 1 Smethport Fire Department

June 8

June 16

Men’s/Women’s Member-Member

Father Son/ Junior-Senior

June 24 Smethport School Foundation

July 12-13-14 Member-Guest

July 20 Thrash Scholarship

August 3

August 11

August 18

August 23

September 14

Olive Oyl Open

Hamlin Bank Open

Smethport PTO

Lathrop Scholarship

Smethport Calcutta

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