Hidden Falls Country Club focusing on basics

While it sounds fairly simple, for a golf course it all starts with green grass — something the 18-hole course nestled in Meadowlakes hasn’t had a lot of during the past year. When Hatch first talked to Mayor John Aaron about the general manager’s position in October, the eight-year member of the country club said there was one thing he wanted to immediately bring back first to the once-private facility.

“My sole objective as I told the mayor when I heard about the GM position was open was to get green grass,” Hatch said. “It sounds basic. But without green grass, it’s hard to attract golfers.”

Hatch said he was somewhat embarrassed to bring friends to play at Hidden Falls because of the condition of the fairways and greens.

“We need a weed-free fairway and consistently green grass,” he said.

The city of Meadowlakes purchased the 18-hole course, clubhouse and facility last spring for $2.93 million funded through the issuance of bonds. But as officials began looking into the course and other amenities, they found the facility wasn’t in the best shape and needed upgrades and repairs.

Hatch said the course — previously called Meadowlakes Country Club — had undergone a series of owners before the city purchased it. 

“Some of the owners, such as the McClungs, did a great job,” he said. “But some didn’t take care of it as well so it went through a lot of ups and downs.”

Since taking the general manager’s position, Hatch has began focusing on getting the course back to the standards he expects from a facility. 

Mayor John Aaron said earlier that he’s already seen significant improvement at Hidden Falls on both the food service side and golf course side.

“I believe we’re going in the right direction,” he said. “Steve has some good ideas about what needs to be done.”

Hidden Falls Country Club Policy Oversight Committee chairman Dale Fixsen said during the Nov. 21 council meeting that Hatch has done a good job keeping the committee in the loop.

That same day, the City Council told Hatch and city staff to begin hammering out a deal with Toro — a national company that specializes in lawn care, golf course management and professional irrigations — to upgrade the current irrigation control system. Though it’s not an entire irrigation system rework, Hatch said it’s step in the right direction.

The current irrigation system is in good enough shape to meet the course’s needs, Hatch said, but he would like to look at a new one in the future. One of the benefits of working with Toro is the company will also design a complete irrigation layout, hole by hole, along with the control system package.

“That would cost about $15,000,” Hatch said. 

Before Toro said the company would handle the design, the general manager said the plan was to do as much with local residents who have a knowledge of greens upkeep. But that would not compare to the abilities of Toro, Hatch said.

“We were very fortunate that Toro was willing to do that,” he said. “And as we put in a new irrigation system, we’ll get it for about 50 percent of the normal cost.”

During the Nov. 21 council meeting, City Administrator Johnnie Thompson said the deal Toro is offering is far beyond what he and the staff thought they would get.

Hatch said since Hidden Falls is a city-owned course, all the money it makes goes right back into the course. The purchase and initial improvements were also made through the city-issued bonds which will be paid back through sewer bills.

“So, the course itself has really no debt,” Hatch said. “That means everything we make we can pour right back into the course. That’s a good thing for us right now.”

While the club has a strong base of golfers in Meadowlakes, Hatch said he wants to draw more people from the surrounding area. Last week the council approved several recommendations Hatch made to simplify the fee structure. He is also advertising in local media more and has begun designing flyers for local hotels, chambers of commerce and businesses to draw attention to the course.

“Those are things you really didn’t have to do when you were a private course,” Hatch said. “And our rates are very competitive. In fact, they’re probably a little under-competitive. But that’s probably what we’re going to have to do until April when the next growing season begins.”

Between now and then it’s all about laying the groundwork for green grass.

“We have to get this course in shape. That’s my No. 1 objective,” Hatch said. “This truly is a hidden jewel in the Hill Country.”

For more information on the course, call (830) 693-3300.

daniel@thepicayune.com