Mallard Creek Golf Course takes flight
By Patricia Nugent
If Sergio Garcia’s inspirational win at Augusta last month in a sudden death playoff tells us anything, it’s that in the game of golf, longevity means a lot. The fact that he won his first club championship at age 12 but didn’t don the green jacket until he turned 37 underscores the merits of perseverance.
As Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station celebrates its own longevity with a 25th anniversary this month, the club is unveiling an improved driving range, expanded patio and many other enhancements.
Says General Manager Jonathan Palmer, “We wanted to create an inviting space where people feel like they want to hang out and relax before or after golf. For our many frequent golfers, it really feels like an extension of home.”
The team removed the patio walls, expanded the patio space and put up brand new shade sails, to help keep the area cool. Rimmed with flower boxes and planters, the area comes to life with corn hole and giant Jenga games. The umbrellas that used to be on the patio were moved farther down toward the range, which features new hitting targets.
“It’s now the ideal spot to take in the panoramic views of our 36-hole golf course, spread over 420 acres of lush, rolling terrain,” he says.
And thanks to a mild winter, Jonathan reports the pristine fairways and greens are in outstanding condition.
An Eye on Player Development
Since the fastest growing segment in golf is juniors, the club emphasizes player development.
Jonathan says he’s proud to operate a club that’s fielded six PGA Junior League Teams for kids ages eight to 14. Over the past two years, the junior league has competed in the national championship and finished in 3rd and 4th place out of over 3,000 teams from all over the U.S.
The programming addresses juniors at all levels, from beginners (don’t miss the One-Day Junior Clinic on Sunday, May 21, from 4-6 p.m.) to more intense summer camps (Thursdays, from June 22 to July 27) and advanced instruction for competitors (the High School Development Program for those playing high school golf).
In addition to a vibrant junior program and league play, Mallard Creek also offers ladies clinics and couples clinics throughout the season.
Smart Rx for Yips, Slices, Shanks
Helping every golfer at every skill level get the most enjoyment from the game is also a big priority at Mallard Creek.
Every Wednesday, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., now through the end of the season, the talented professional golf staff (Jim Wise, Trummie Hudson, Chris Sturges and Joe Horvath) will offer free tips. Just pop over to the range and a pro will take a look at your swing and give you a helpful evaluation.
Growing the Family
The Palmer family also owns Pine Brook Golf Links, six minutes down the road in Grafton.
“This rustic regulation course offers a variety of shorter, fast paced holes that are perfect for sharpening your irons,” says Jonathan. “In the bustling season in Northeast Ohio, when getting a desired tee time can be rough, it’s a luxury to be able to offer 54 holes of golf.”
Mallard Creek is located at 34500 Royalton Road, in Columbia Station. Call them at 440-748-8231 or visit them at TheMallardCreek.com. Pine Brook is located at 11043 N. Durkee Road in Grafton. Call them at (440) 748-2939 or visit them at GolfPineBrook.com.