For eight years after Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the Gulfport, Miss., property, a trailer acted as the clubhouse. In the past 12 months, however, investors have poured almost $700,000 into the property, resulting in a new clubhouse, 50 new golf carts, a new fairway irrigation system, and a serious boost in membership.
The Great Southern Golf Club in Gulfport, Miss., looks very different these days after Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the course in 2005, the Biloxi (Miss.)-based WLOX 13 reported.
For eight years, the clubhouse was a trailer. In the past 12 months, investors have poured almost $700,000 into the property, resulting in a new clubhouse, 50 new golf carts, and a new fairway irrigation system, WLOX 13 reported.
“We’ve gone from eight members to close to 115 or 120 members in less than six months,” said Eddie Miller, a member of the club’s Board of Directors. “And this is a coast landmark, the oldest course in Mississippi.”
Longtime members say the changes score well with them, WLOX 13 reported.
“The clubhouse, just being open now, it’s a great convenience,” member Jim Hom said. “We’ve all had lunch there at least once to get started, and hey, it’s a whole lot better than that trailer.”
“I’ve played here for probably 15 or 20 years and they’ve really improved it,” said member Jim Shotts. “The new carts are fantastic. The fairways, and the greens are improving.”
For the people who work here, like Austin Gillis, the transformation has not only changed the look of the course, but attitudes as well, WLOX 13 reported.
“Since we have new golf carts now, it’s easier to maintain them and keep them clean. Everybody enjoys coming out to a building, and not going out to a trailer,” Gillis said.
While the longtime members, the golf pro, and the employees at the Great Southern Club rave about the new amenities, even first timers are quite impressed, WLOX 13 reported.
“I can’t wait to get this round underway here,” said newcomer Chuck Clark. “I think it’s going to be a great day. I just really think it’s in great condition compared to some of the other ones around.”
The Great Southern Golf Club was founded in 1908, and has been played by the likes of Byron Nelson, Sam Snead and Ben Hogan, WLOX 13 reported.
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