Par for the Course: Happy National Golf Month
“Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.” – Arnold Palmer
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how important it is to strengthen our minds, our heart, and our character, despite difficult circumstances. But in the meantime, we have also learned that exercising our bodies, spending time outside, and enjoying the fresh are some of the best ways to strengthen both our bodies and our minds – so it’s fitting that August is National Golf Month!
Golf has always been a huge part of High Point’s community and history, and this summer and fall, we’re even more thankful that we have so many amazing spaces to enjoy the fresh air and our community. To celebrate National Golf Month, we talked to two key members of High Point’s fantastic Parks and Recreation Department to learn more about High Point’s public golf courses.
Paige Mone, Marketing Coordinator for Parks and Recreation of the City of High Point, shared with us how unique High Point’s public golf courses are.
“For a community of High Point’s size to have not one but two such nicely sized public golf courses is unusual,” Paige explains.
Lee Tillery, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of High Point, explained that the older Blair Park Golf Course was first built in the 1930s and began as a 9-hole course. Years later, it became a full 18-hole course. Oak Hollow Golf Course was built in 1972, and its history is even more unique, as it was designed by a world-famous course designer.
“Back then, the City contracted with one of the most famous golf course architects in the world, Pete Dye, to design Oak Hollow Golf Course,” Lee says. While Dye’s resume of designs includes Pinehurst-level courses, as well as golf courses in countries all over the globe, Oak Hollow Golf Course is one of the few municipal courses Dye designed.
“The course has been a regional draw for years,” Lee says, adding that it has many times over won various awards for best public golf course. “It’s an economic driver, and a great activity for High Point visitors.”
High Point is also fortunate to have an all-star golf staff including several PGA professionals. The courses are opened daily, year around, with the exceptions of inclement weather days.
“Golfers are pretty hardy souls,” Paige jokes. “They’ll play in just about any weather!”
Photo Courtesy of Park Ranger Greg Warren.
The Parks and Rec department is also proud to say that both of High Point’s public courses, Oak Hollow Golf Course and Blair Park Golf Course, have stayed open through the duration of the pandemic.
“Of course, we have made tons of adjustment to ensure safety,” Lee explains. The golf courses have switched over to cashless services and hours have been adjusted to give the staff time to disinfect and clean all surfaces. The Parks and Rec department has even installed plexiglass dividers into all golf carts to ensure safety between golfers.
“Allowing for social distancing is important for the course,” Lee explains, “because the courses serve as such a wonderful amenity to enjoy outside during this time.”
Both Lee and Paige note how the design of the courses enhances the natural beauty of High Point’s scenery, which can be a welcome relief during these stressful times.
“The sense of peace and natural beauty is very restorative,” Paige says. “The golf courses are like a little oasis in the middle of the city. They’re truly little treasures.”
What better time to pick up the game then in the coming months of cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn leaves? Take advantage of the renowned courses, right here in our own backyard! Spending more time outdoors and getting active is sure to be a hole-in-one for you this fall.
To book a time at Oak Hollow Golf Course visit their page, and to book at Blair Park Golf Course visit here.
Keep discovering our High Points,
The HPD Team
Photos Courtesy of High Point Parks and Recreation Department