In the August issues of "Golf Business," Ronnie Musselwhite tells the world what we all ready know; Haystack Mountain Golf Course is a great course right here in our own backyard. 

According to course owner Lois Ebel, "Haystack is proud to be chosen by this respected industry organization as a golf course that ‘builds golfers’ - a place that is dedicated to helping everyone enjoy the game more - as Executive Director Mike Hughes, puts it, ‘That’s what really makes a person catch the golf bug.’"

As the article states, Haystack Mountain Golf Course is known as a course catering to beginners. Many beginners do not want to spend the high fees to play at most courses or feel intimidated by other golfers due to their lack of skills. If you are feeling this way then Haystack is the place for you.

The course was started in the early 1960s. With funds borrowed from family members and personal savings, Lois Ebel and her ex-husband C.J. Ebel, Jr., purchased 240 acres of land that included Haystack Mountain. The Ebels developed a nine-hole, par-32, links-style course.

The golf course opened for business in 1966. Green fees in 1966 were $1 for nine holes. Today the clientele includeds juniors, couples, high-handicap golfers, polished players looking to hone their short game, Generation X males and retirees.  

Instead of building an additional 9 holes, the Ebels have decided to focus on the course itself as well as facility improvements. They have recently doubled the size of the practice range, renovated the range’s tees, installed a sprinkler system, constructed nine target greens, purchased new balls and built a pitching green with bunkers. The clubhouse was redesigned to utilize the space more efficiently.

The course itself also has been improved. They enlarged six tees, lengthened three holes, implemented an extensive beautification project with flowers and shrubbery, and built a completely new No. 9 hole. 

Future plans include lengthening and creating a new dogleg on hole No. 6, enlarging the tee on the new No. 9 and constructing a sod farm on the old ninth hole.

In 1998 Haystack hosted more than 36,000 rounds. In 1999 that number grew to 39,408. Green fees range from $11 to $12 for nine holes. Five dollars more buys an additional nine holes. The course does not take tee times and walking the course is required.

Instruction is also offered by C.J. Ebel, III. His No Embarrass-ment Golf School is based on the idea that people should be excited about learning. The school is a way to encourage the golfers they already have, while sending the message to the public that Haystack is a place of learning. 

The two day school offers hour and a half sessions that help beginners identify if they like the game and if they feel comfortable enough for private lessons. Classes are limited to six, ages 16 or over, and the cost is $60 per player (or $50 if you bring a friend). 

The course also opened the Learnin’ Lodge in 1999. It is an all–weather practice facility in a 20 foot by 22 foot building that faces the range. The facility is heated and is open to the public year round by appointment, and also serves as an instructional area for C.J. 

For more information about Haystack Mountain Golf Course call 303-530-1400.