Change is in the air. You can feel it. You can see it. As September comes to a close, October brings cooler temperatures and the fragrance of fall. The leaves change colors and nowhere is the scene more beautiful than on a golf course. I absolutely love playing golf at this time of year.
One local golf course is entering into a new phase in its life. The term renaissance means rebirth and I can't think of a better word to describe what's taking place at Seneca Hills. Upon arriving at the course, you will still be greeted by the stately old barn that serves as the clubhouse. The building is now undergoing a remodeling as will the entire course in the months ahead. I had a chance this week to sit down and talk to new owner Bobby Pollitt, an award winning PGA professional, to get the lowdown on what's going on at Seneca Hills.
If I had to use one word to describe Bobby Pollitt it might be friendly. Maybe dynamic would be a good choice. Perhaps motivated or energetic. How about all of the above? When you talk to him about Seneca Hills and the game of golf, you can feel the passion in his voice.
Pollitt purchased the course earlier this summer and as we sat in the magnificent clubhouse, I was brought up to speed on what changes have already taken place in addition to plans for the future. It did not take long for me to start feeling the energy in the room. I think the general public, whether one plays golf or not, will like what's happening at Seneca Hills.
Plans call for the opening of The Pro's Nest Pub and Grill later this month. Four flat-screen TV's have already been installed and Seneca Hills has acquired the NFL ticket. I had a chance to meet Brian Eichert, who is the chef for the facility and he told me about the menu the Pro's Nest will feature.
For this fall a limited pub menu will include items such as build-a-burger, boneless wings and chicken chunks. The full service bar will make this a nice stop for football fans or anyone who wants to enjoy a sandwich and a cold beverage. As the calendar year proceeds the Pro's Nest will be open on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant may be open for Monday night football and Thursday evening NFL games as well.
The Pro's Nest will be open through mid January or until all the BCS bowl games have been concluded.
Eichert assured me that the menu is eventually going to be expanded. Special dinner plans might well include Thanksgiving and a New Year's Eve party. For now the pub fare sounds just fine to me.
Another staff member I was introduced to was Diane Summers who is the event planner for the facility. She will soon be located in the event planning office, which is under construction inside. You can meet with her in privacy away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. If you want to plan an event at Seneca Hills, Diane is the person to contact.
Business meetings, bridal showers, Christmas parties, reunions and weddings can all be held at Seneca Hills. As many as 250 people can easily be accommodated for whatever event you might plan. In fact a wedding took place just yesterday that included line dancing at the reception. Seneca Hills is already booking leagues, outings and weddings for next year.
If you are familiar with Seneca Hills, you are aware that a putting green is located just behind the ninth green. That will not be there for long as Bobby told me they are going to use the space for an outdoor event area. The green will be replaced by bluegrass, which will look eerily similar to the fairways, for a very logical reason. The outdoor event area will be used for cocktail parties, award presentations and, of course, wedding ceremonies. Outdoor weddings are cool and you can simply stroll inside to one of the finest reception halls in the area.
Pollitt took me to one area of the clubhouse that he wants to turn into a special corner. He will install a golf library and has plans for team photos and schedules to be placed on the wall of the local high schools and colleges that will call Seneca Hills home. Area sports fans can keep up with the exploits of our young golfers. A fireplace will be put in and the only word that keeps popping up in my head is cozy.
The golf shop will be remodeled this fall as well. Ryan Samms, a former golfer at Tiffin University, is the manager of the shop. More merchandise will be added and Ryan can help find the right equipment for you. The engaging young man seems like all the other folks I have met at Seneca Hills.
They are ready and willing to help you in any way they can.
The changes at Seneca Hills include more than just the clubhouse. The course will see a revamping as well. That information will have to wait a week however, as I am now out of space.
Tune in next Sunday to see what further changes await us at Seneca Hills Golf Course.
Al Stephenson is the golf columnist for The Advertiser-Tribune
Read his blog at:
