SUMMIT TWP — The course has been around for decades.

It just looks a little more spacious and open than before — and plays that way as well.

That's because more than 400 trees have been taken out of Hiland Golf Course in the past couple of years.

“A lot of those trees were already dead, so Mother Nature did a lot of the work for us,” course general manager Terry Rottman said.

The front nine holes at Hiland were constructed in 1916. Course owner Sarah Zediker's late father, Ralph, put in the back nine during the 1960s.

Ownership and a veteran grounds crew have been tweaking it ever since.

“We're always looking to make the course better,” Zediker said. “Taking out those trees was a way to do that.

“We still have a lot of trees out there, but some of the holes play more fairly now.”

And the “tree wall” on No. 8 — where trees stand side by side in the middle of the fairway — remains in place as one of the signature parts of the course.

“No way that was coming out,” Zediker said, smiling. “We did trim them down by 30 feet, though.”

The biggest difference is in the No. 14 hole, which has the green placed farther back and the men's tee box moved up 50 yards.

The seniors tee box on No. 15 is moved back a few yards while the one on No. 5 has moved a few yards closer.

The tee box on No. 16 is still next to that of No. 18. The No. 16 tee box is being elevated this year, however, and a wall will soon be built to separate the tee boxes.

“It's all designed to give our golfers a better experience,” Zediker said.

One element rarely changes at Hiland: Its employees.

Greg Hesidence has been course superintendent for 13 years. The man he replaced in that role — Charlie Young — continues to help out and has been working the course at Hiland for 67 years.

Fred Newell, who takes care of the tees and greens, has been there for 16 years. Steve Young sanitizes carts and works on sand traps. He's been there eight years.

Denny Young and Jim Angert, who also do work on the course, have five and three years in, respectively.

“Those guys know every inch of this golf course,” Rottman said. “There's no substitute for experience.”

There's experience inside the building at Hiland as well.

Danny Croyle, the general manager inside, has been on the job 20 years. Dave Cavalero has worked on and off at the course for 50 years.

“Everybody gets along. Everybody has each other's backs. It can't be overstated. It's like a family,” Zediker said.

Numerous leagues — Larry George/Monroe Hotel, Tuesday A.M., Chicora Moose, etc.— have also been at Hiland for years.

Seniors age 60-older can play the course at discounted rates. Active military members have their greens fees waived and only have to pay for cart use.

Calling for tee times is strongly recommended. Weekday mornings and Sundays are prime times for open play.

Various golf membership packages are available, some for 20 weeks, some for the entire season.

Golfers can also walk four holes for $6, or play four holes with a cart for $10.

“That's been a popular feature for people to practice,” Rottman said.