I am a PGA Member and have been in the golf business since 1971. Managed public, resort and semiprivate courses. My last job was in Elk City where I worked for 13 years before retiring from full time golf management. The reason I mention this is because the following is not said by someone who is outside looking in.
In 2012 or 2013, I was asked to come and help with the junior program in Cordell and to help persuade the local district to add golf to their athletic activities. Basically, the people who asked for help then are almost the same who are still running the course now. I met Jerry Burrows then, and I could not believe how hard that man worked to help Cordell have a nice place to offer to the youth and the golfing adults. The story of Crooked Creek began before I ever stepped on the place there. Since, I have come a few times and I’m always amazed at the design, the place and the work that volunteers do. Triple “WOW”!!!
The last time was this weekend when I helped with the second annual Battle at The Creek. The story of this place has become a symbol of hope and resilience demonstrating the power of community involvement to overcome budget challenges and create a positive change. It showcases how a group of dedicated individuals united by their shared passion has transformed a struggling space into a proud place to invite people to come and share the passion of golf and the love of friendships.
I encourage all of those who take part of the “fruits”, but not of the “seeding”, to recognize those efforts and from time to time, to join in the seeding of goodwill, camaraderie and optimism. One afternoon or two a month, will do wonders. This is truly a diamond in the rough with no budget to speak off. The work of course maintenance is strictly done by volunteers. What Jerry Burrows left here is not a place, but an ideal, and an example on how you can get things done by joining efforts with others, and how you can teach youth that they can also be world changers. Diligence, and a never give up attitude. How to inspire the youth to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Kudos to Stoney Hartronft, Gary Madison, C.H. Hughes, James Higginbotham, Randy Wenninger, Mike Stowers, Brad Babek, Macrae Brunker, Clyde Duerksen, Valerie Fariss and all of those who help, even if not as often.
Never take any of the improvements or golf conditions for granted, nor think it was, by some reason, an act of God, but recognize it was an act of love by those people who heard the calling of the love of the game and of community service. It is truly unreal how well this place looks considering the low budget for chemicals and equipment and it is a small picture of something taught by action, not a classroom. Keep it up!
Elk City, OK