Olney Recreation Association makes updates to golf course
Olney has a lot to offer the residents and neighbors in the surrounding areas. One attraction is the Olney Country Club Golf Course. Many would agree that the nine-hole golf course is very appreciated but it needs some TLC to preserve the beauty and appease the golfers, which is why the new sprinkler system is the first of many future improvements at Olney Country Club (OCC).
The Olney Recreation Association (ORA) oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of OCC. It was established in 1960 to ensure the care and upkeep of a public recreational facility and provide services such as golf tournaments and golf lessons to the community.
“ORA has been part of the Olney community and tradition for many years. We love our youth, and the Olney Golf Course has helped shape our youth golfers into state champions. We currently have two weekday scrambles and will be hosting a junior golf tournament and a junior golf camp this summer,” said Landon Rowe, ORA board president.
ORA board members meet biweekly to make decisions and handle general business tasks. The board of directors comprises seven members: Ryan Cawthon, Tyler Whitsitt, Callen Pittman, Landon Rowe (President), Frankie Bailey, Dusty McElroy (Vice President), and Dirk Barrington.
The ORA board voted recently to replace the sprinkler system. Rowe said the project costs $125,000, and they are seeking donations to assist with covering the expenses.
“We are getting a whole new water system put in that will include a new main line with more than 500 sprinkler heads. We will have water access to every tee box and will be able to water the fairways and the greens that we were not able to water previously. The new system eliminates the multiple water leaks that we dealt with every day,” Rowe said. He added that they have raised $4,000 toward the $125,000 project that Longo Stone out of Wichita Falls will be completing.
ORA is endeavoring in other fundraising opportunities that include seeking grants to help with the cost. The grant with The Perry Foundation is pending, and they hope to attract support from other area foundations. City Administrator Neal Welch confirmed that the city of Olney owns the golf course operated by ORA. They will accept grant awards and donations that are earmarked for the sprinkler system at Olney Country Club.
Other fundraisers are underway to cover the cost of the new sprinkler system.
“We are currently raffling off a golf cart that is a 2021 TXT Freedom that is fully loaded with premium seats. You may purchase tickets for $100 from any board member. Ticket sales will continue until we sell all 200 tickets no later than Oct. 30. We accept payments through Venmo: Landon-RoweSOA or Paypal:OlneyCC@ yahoo.com,” Rowe said.
Also, the ORA is hosting its first annual Skeet Shoot Saturday, April 10, at the HDH Pavilion located at 841 Hwy 114 E. in Olney. In addition to the skeet shoot, there will be cornhole and volleyball tournaments. Contact Frankie Bailey (940-521-1845 for more information about the skeet shoot, and contact Samantha Pulliam (940-447-5545) for details about volleyball or cornhole.
Rowe said, “We want to create a golf course that the town can be proud of and use for their enjoyment. We are always open to new members, and we welcome the public to come to tour our facility. You do not have to be a member to use the golf course and facility. You can pay to play.”
Golf tournaments will help with some of the costs, but the board is soliciting public support specifically for the sprinkler system and other future improvements. Contact Landon Rowe to see how you can help ORA meet its fundraising goal. Meanwhile, consider participating in the upcoming tournaments at Olney Country Club that are listed on the community calendar on Page 2. Your participation will make a huge difference.