Changing of the guard at Hobble Creek course
Hobble Creek Golf Course in Springville was opened in March of 1967 with nine holes and I was hired as the golf professional. I was an assistant golf professional at Monterey Peninsula Country Club in Pebble Beach, Calif., at the time and prior to that I was an assistant at Timpanogos Golf Course in Provo and Fort Sheridan in Chicago. I have been the only golf professional at Hobble Creek since its inception in 1967 and I retired in January after 47 years. I have been in the golf business all my life, starting out as caddy at Timpanogos in Provo. I started working in the golf shop when I was 13 years old and I have been in the golf business for 67 years.
We operated as a nine-hole facility at Hobble Creek for six years, adding a clubhouse and driving range in 1970 and another nine holes in 1973. The architect for both nines was William Bell from Pasadena who stated that Hobble Creek had the ideal setting for a golf course with all the rolling terrain, Hobble Creek running through the property, and all the full-grown trees. He did a masterful job on both nines and Hobble Creek became one of the most popular courses in Utah and surrounding states.
We have conducted many golf tournaments over the years and the Art City Amateur has become one of the very best in the state. In 1996 we hosted the Utah State Amateur golf tournament and the course held up to the tradition as a great course to compete on. Hobble Creek traditionally has been one of the busiest golf courses in the state.
We are now having a changing of the guard. Craig Norman has been hired as the new golf professional for Hobble Creek. He has been the assistant professional for 22 years. My sincere congratulations to Craig and I know that he will keep the great traditions of golf flourishing at Hobble Creek.
Hobble Creek is one of the most walkable courses in the state and that alone attracts many golfers who like to walk. Hobble Creek is very well laid out with greens and the next tees close togther, eliminating extra walking. The course is always in good condition and the scenery is absolutely breath-taking and in the fall no place can compare to the beauty. When spring comes, grab your clubs and play; golf is great therapy.
We have always had a great greens crew at Hobble Creek led by Greens Superintendent Chris Jensen and assistants Steve Braun and Kelly Giles. They all have between 25 and 37 years of experience. Throughout their tenure, they have always exhibited unusual pride and dedication to their work, which has made Hobble Creek a showplace for outstanding playing conditions.