New ownership at Big Hickory Golf Course

Hello friends!

I hope everyone is enjoying the snow and all the excitement that comes with tournament time. This latest round of winter weather kind of snuck up on us, didn’t it? It feels like just yesterday we were talking about spring plans, and now we’re watching the flakes fall again.

First off, a big congratulations to the Tigers and Lady Tigers for punching their ticket to the regional tournament. That’s always an exciting time for our community, and we’re proud of the hard work these student-athletes put in to represent Clay County.

Speaking of punching a ticket, our beloved Big Hickory Golf Course has officially been sold — and in my opinion, the city made a great move with this decision.

Running a golf course is no small task, especially for a municipality. Across the country, many cities have tried to operate courses only to eventually lease or sell them because of the complexity involved. A golf course isn’t just mowing grass — it requires specialized knowledge, from properly applying chemicals and maintaining turf health to managing irrigation, mowing greens and fringes, and keeping everything in top playing condition. It’s truly a daylight-to-dark operation that demands experience and constant attention.

With the new ownership, I feel confident the course is in good hands. These are golf people who understand what it takes, and more importantly, they have a passion for the game and for the course itself. There’s nothing that replaces hard work combined with genuine care.

Hearing talk about potential clubhouse renovations, the possibility of a restaurant, alcohol sales, and expanded events is exciting. Those kinds of improvements can bring new life to Big Hickory while creating more opportunities for locals and visitors alike to gather, play, and enjoy everything the course has to offer.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a great golfer — far from it — but I truly enjoy the game and the time spent on the course. Big Hickory holds a special place in our community. Over the years, it has helped develop some outstanding golfers and created countless memories for families and friends.

As we turn the page to this new chapter, let’s all show our support for the new owner and continue to rally around Big Hickory. Go play a round, stop by, and see the improvements as they unfold. It’s up to all of us to help keep this local treasure thriving.

Much love, Manchester!