“I used to think farming was hard work, but that was before I had a golf course.” That is how Clara Sexton, owner of The Golf Course in Williamsburg, described the work that it has taken to keep Whitley County’s only functioning golf course up-and-running since she took over operations back in the early eighties.
“It was a mess,” Sexton said of the state of the course when she stepped in as owner. “It really was. You couldn’t even find the greens.”
Sexton explained that the course was originally built sometime in the late-fifties to early-sixties. It changed hands a few times over the years before she took over, and, as it turned out, the timing worked out pretty well.
“I was in the construction business,” Sexton said of her previous profession. “It [the course] looked like it would be a good place for me to put a little extra money and some equipment to work. I thought that I would make myself a nice place to retire someday.”
Sexton said that she was “into a big ruckus” with her insurance company at the time, and when they moved out of state, she was forced to cease operations with her construction company. “I tried to keep that from happening,” she said. “But as it ended up, I didn’t have anything left except the lease to the golf course and an old work truck. So, I made myself a job here.”
Focusing on revitalizing the course from that day forward, Sexton brought in help and began to learn by doing. After a lot of grit, determination, and hands-on experience, she finally had the course up and running again.
Since that time, Sexton said that the sport has seen its ups-and-downs. The Golf Course still welcomes many regulars when the season is in, and it has become the site of the Williamsburg Police Department’s scramble fundraiser for Shop with A Cop. This program makes sure kids in need don’t go empty handed when it comes to getting Christmas presents each year.
While Sexton is certainly appreciative of the business that she does get, she said that she would like to see more players from the local community coming down to play rounds or hit balls at the driving range when it is open.
“I am hoping that we will see enough players come out to turn a profit,” Sexton said of this season. “The money always goes right back in to the course. If we can show a profit, then we can do things to improve the course.”
Currently, Sexton said that she is focusing on trying to make improvements to the cart paths on the course. As she put it, right now some of the paths are “rough as a cob,” which is hard on the carts.
Sexton said that she has taken great pleasure in having the opportunity to see many young golfers from the area grow and develop at The Golf Course over the years. She has also enjoyed seeing how the sport brings people together, saying, “Golf is something that you can do with anyone. It’s great for families. It’s always nice to see when kids and their parents are all playing together.”
When asked about some of the developments that she might like to see take place in golf in the coming years, Sexton said that she would really like to see another player like Tiger Woods rise to prominence, as a star of his caliber helps to inspire young people to pick up the game. She also stressed that it doesn’t always have to be about serious competition, though, saying, “Golf is one of the only things that I know of that you can do, and enjoy doing, even if you’re not very good at it.”
“I can’t play a lick, but I still love to get out there and try,” Sexton added.
Sexton is hopeful for good weather this spring and summer, and she invited any local organizations who might want to organize a scramble to give the course a call at (606) 549-4215. Individuals and small groups are also welcome, as there are no membership requirements to play.
While the driving range is currently closed for repairs after sustaining damage during recent wind storms, the nine-hole course itself is ready to play. If you are in need of any clubs, there is a limited selection that is available on consignment in the shop.
If you have never taken the opportunity to play at The Golf Course, consider doing so this season.
