Lake Arthur is best of both worlds
FRANKLIN TWP — A public golf course with country-club conditions.
That's how Lake Arthur Golf Course general manager Scott Vice views the facility he has been in charge of since February of last year.
“We still get calls from people asking if this course is open to the public,” Vice said. “It's surprising how many still think this is a private golf club.
“This is as public as a golf course can be. We have no memberships.”
What Lake Arthur does offer is quality golf, a public restaurant and a site for parties and gatherings of all types.
Nick Province, who served as an assistant superintendent at a number of golf courses, including TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Greensburg Country Club and Squaw Creeks in Avalon Lakes, Ohio, has completed his first full calendar year as Lake Arthur's course superintendent.
“This is the first golf course Nick has been in charge of as superintendent and he's done an incredible job,” Vice said. “This course has never looked better.
“It is well-manicured everywhere. The greens here are the best in the region. I know I'm biased, but I truly believe that.”
The course is relatively flat — “The only real hill is on No. 17,” Vice said — and the holes offer a wide variety in length.
The par-3 No. 9 hole plays 118 yards from the white tee. The par-5 No. 16 hole plays 531 yards. Holes 15 and 16 are back-to-back par-5s.
“You can eagle or birdie 15 and 16, then give it back on 17 and 18,” Vice said. “The last two holes on this course are tricky. I think our No. 18 is the best hole in Butler.
“We're planning on adding some back tees, make the course play a little longer for the experienced golfers who choose to play them.”
Lake Arthur still offers foot-golf — soccer on a golf course — Saturday and Sunday nights. The facility's Family Night promotion remains in effect on Friday nights.
“Parents and their kids can play nine holes at a very cheap rate,” Vice said of Family Night. “The parent can walk nine for $8 and the child's rate is $5. It's a great way to teach your child the game.”
Beginning with the first Friday in May, live entertainment will be on hand on the patio each Friday night. Vice said bands will be performing.
“We want Friday nights to be a fun night out for families here,” Vice said.
The restaurant is open to the public as well. It serves “your basic bar and grill food,.” Vice said, including fish, burgers and other sandwiches. Local beers are on tap as well.
Lake Arthur is also home to 13 leagues that play on weekday evenings. Included in that group is the Wednesday ladies league, which has been there more than 50 years.
Tee times are recommended. The course offers discounted rates for seniors. Vice said the course is most available Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
“Tuesday and Wednesday are our busiest league nights,” he said. “We get a lot of traveling groups here, too. People come from Erie, Pittsburgh, all over.”
Perhaps the most unique feature of Lake Arthur Golf Course is its banquet hall facility, which includes a large outdoor terrace.
Vice said he gets a lot of golf outings booked “because that banquet hall is ideal for outings that include food.”
Lake Arthur hosted eight to 10 weddings last year and has another eight to 10 booked this year. Birthday and anniversary parties, Sweet 16 parties and proms have taken place there.
“We're open to anything with that hall,” Vice said. “All people have to do is call.”
