“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” — Jim Rohn. Meaning, that if you are truly committed to achieving something, you will find a way to make it happen.
This phrase summarizes, perfectly, the story of the Waldron Country Club, both its establishment, and the decades following.
One of the founding members, Reggie Owens, recalled in detail the humble beginnings of the golf course, and shared how that history has paved the way for future aspiring golfers.
In 1964, Waldron received a government grant to construct a city lake. As a part of that plan, a “buffer zone” was to be included. The city offered a gentleman by the last name of Taff a sum of money for a portion of his farm. Ultimately, Taff would refuse to sell a portion, but countered with an offer to purchase the entire farm.
A group of four gentlemen, including Reggie Owens, his father, Jerry Parker, and Pat Ray Davenport had a vision and a deep-seeded desire for a place to play golf. “We were in the car together when one of the guys said, ‘I’d give $1,000 if we had a golf course,'” Owens stated. The four agreed to all pitch in, and together they started with $1,000. “We decided to have a meeting of those who would be interested…we met at the Rock Cafe…In the end, we came up with $80,000.”
Construction started in August of 1983. The four founding members remained the backbone of the operation, donating and volunteering countless hours of backbreaking labor. “You cannot imagine what it looked like out there,” continued Owens. “The overgrowth of brush…It had not been touched in 20 years…The place was a jungle. We had to do a lot of work before the work could begin.”
Labor included working with equipment the men themselves purchased, such as dump trucks, bulldozers and backhoes. Owens recalled cutting and stacking wood, advertising it to folks for $7 a rick. “We used the honor system; they drove up and loaded it themselves…We used that money for gas for the equipment.”
Following that labor intensive period, research and development of the course would be underway. “There had to be a lot of research and engineering done to develop the landscape,” Owens continued.
The location, now known as 4997 Rena Owens Drive in Waldron, remains city owned property, leased to the golf course for 99 years at the rate of $1 per year.
“We’ve had people like Nadine Judy of Judy’s Drive Inn who were very supportive and remained supportive throughout the years. She gave a starting $1k, joined as a member and paid a lifetime of dues.”
A culmination of work and devotion built, and has kept, the well-maintained course often dubbed, “a rare gem.” Owens attributed that to staff like Paul Lee, a longtime greenskeeper who devoted his time sacrificially until his health wouldn’t allow him to continue.
Owens, who is now retired, continues to devote 8-12 hours a days at the course and offers reports to the nine board of directors.
Because of the foresight and follow through of the four founding members who had a vision for the Waldron Country Club, two students have been awarded golfing scholarships. “That was something my dad would have been so proud to have seen,” Owens continued. Rising stars like Lane Tallmadge who have found purpose in their own lives through the maintenance and grounds operations. “Lane is a young man of virtue and has a passion for the greens.”
The Waldron Country Club hosts annual tournaments such as the Scott County Boys and Girls Club, adult and kids championship tournaments, a memorial tournament to honor members who have passed on, and a golf course fundraiser.
Owens stated that he would like to see the membership grow by at least 15-20. Annual membership is $720. Dues can also be paid monthly, at $6. Anyone is welcome to come and utilize the golf course, however. The one-time greens fee is $15 throughout the week, and $20 on the weekend. Friday’s green fees are discounted. The club house sells hot dogs, chips, and drinks including Gatorade.
Owens, who vows he will completely retire one day, shared he wants to be able to visit and enjoy the club when he wants, and assist on his own time.
“This was just like my grandpa B.S. Hinkle said, ‘Scott County needed a place to fish.’ He was a State Representative and worked 21 years on the paperwork to get the lake built…We felt the same way about the golf course.”
That commitment built and has maintained the Waldron Country Club.
