St. Jude altering course
CHICORA — St. Jude Golf Club remains one of the top-ranked courses in Western Pennsylvania.
It's everything else about the place that's changing.
“This course has been considered among the top 20 in Western Pa. for years,” St. Jude owner and president Colin Dunwoody said. “It's known for its outstanding greens.”
Dunwoody would know. Owner of the facility since 2007, he has been in the golf business for 30 years. He has served as a superintendent of golf courses, been a consultant for construction, has even been an importer of various golf accessories.
He knows the business inside and out — and knows he has to compete.
St. Jude Golf Club has approximately 250 members, but has been semi-private since 2008. The public is welcome to golf there.
A new restaurant is open and on the premises now, but will have an official grand opening and be renamed in late June. It will be known for steaks, German cuisine and international fare in general.
Construction will begin on a new pub and tavern in a few weeks, where the pro shop currently sits. The pub will feature live music, a dance floor andlarge bar area.
A larger pro shop will be built on the bottom floor of the building which oversees the golf course.
“The atmosphere of the restaurant will be very down-home and comfortable,” St. Jude general manager Dan Merchant said. “The panoramic view of the golf course will add to the dining experience.”
Cindy Irwin, the facility's food and beverage manager, said the prices “are very affordable and geared toward families.
“Reservations are preferred. Private gatherings usually take up the entire restaurant area, so people should phone ahead,” she added.
St. Jude played host to 12 wedding receptions last year and has 18 on the books for this year.
As for the course itself, Dunwoody has had trees taken off certain fairways to make them more open.
Total cost of renovations at the overall facility is expected to exceed $1.5 million.
“St. Jude is known as a very challenging, yet fair golf course,” Dunwoody said. “It can be enjoyed by all skill levels.“We've changed some tee locations to make holes more playable. Golf, after all, has to be fun.”The course features three par-5 holes — two exceeding 500 yards — and five par-3's, each less than 200 yards.St. Jude also has new club pros. Head pro is Dennis Dolci, who started earlier this month. His assistant pro, Karns City graduate Nathan Shirey, started a few months earlier.Dolci served as club pro at three previous courses — including Tam O'Shanter — before coming to St. Jude.“The texture and speed of the greens here are simply outstanding,” Dolci said. “They are the best around.“This is a scenic course that brings some hills to you. With three sets of tees, a golfer can play to his own skills and ability.”Dolci described the No. 7 hole — a 347-yard par-4 — as his favorite on the front nine.“The second shot is uphill and the hole features a small green framed by bunkers,” he said.Overall, he believes he's made the right career move at the right time.“Timing is everything and I'm excited about what's happening here,” Dolci said. “I wanted to be a part of it.”Tee times are recommended and fees range from $25 to $65, which include 18 holes and a cart. Stay and play packages which include shuttle service are being offered through hotels in Butler, Kittanning and Foxburg.“People can come up from Pittsburgh, even from Butler or other nearby communities, for a weekend getaway,” Dunwoody said.“We make sure the golf course is in great condition and we provide the best customer service we can give. We want the people to come back.”
