All about friends and familiarity
SUMMIT TWP — When it comes to the day to day operation of Hiland Golf Course, owner Sarah Zediker sees a different name.
“They could call us Cheers,” she said, laughing, referencing the old TV sitcom. “Everybody knows your name here. Everybody seems to know everybody.”
Though this neighborhood golf course has been around for decades, hosts a number of leagues and has a steady, dependable and familiar clientele, it never stays the same.
“We’re always working on ways to get better, to make this a better experience for the golfers,” co-owner Terry Rottman said.
This year, Hiland had a building constructed that covers 12,000 square feet to house its equipment and golf carts. It also has an outdoor dining area that includes a buffet, popular for golf outings.
Rottman said they bought Ventrac mowers, “which are much more effective than a tractor” in working on the course.
“Those things can operate on extremely wet grounds and with all of the rain we’ve had ... We’d be way behind in course maintenance right now if we didn’t have those things,” he said.
The course has 130 new trees planted and redid seniors and ladies tee boxes on five different holes. It also has three shelters out on the course — including porta-johns — in the event golfers get caught in inclement weather.
“Those have proven to be effective,” Rottman said. “We’ve handed out very few rain checks since we put those in. Golfers wait out the rain, then go back out and finish their round.”
Full service is available to patrons dining outside. Hiland does offer options in that regard.
“Some people like to eat outside, others like to eat at the bar and watch TV, others like to dine back here (in dining room) where it’s more private,” Zediker said. “All of those options are available.”
Hiland plays host to approximately 15 leagues. The course’s evening league times are filled to capacity, though new leagues could use Hiland if they play in the morning.
And, of course, new golfers are always welcome.
“Some of these leagues bring in new people and it’s nice to see them and meet them,” Zediker said.
Greg Hesidence has been the course superintendent for more that 20 years. Charlie Young, 82, still works on the course three a week. His house is right next door to the facility.
Young has been working on the golf course at Hiland for 70 years.
Tee times are requested at Hiland. The most open time to get on the course is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays.
Hiland offers two different passes. One allows golfers to play Monday through Friday all season, $220 walking, $410 riding. The full membership pass is good year-round, seven days a week. Walking is $825, riding $1,500.
Course prices on weekdays are $11.50 for nine holes walking, $22 for 18 holes walking, $21 for nine holes riding and $41 for 18 holes riding. The weekend prices are $14.50, $26, $24 and $45. There are also senior rates available.
