The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
The Old Erie Golf Course under new management
DURHAMVILLE, N.Y. » When it was built in 1968, the Old Erie Golf Club was a place where newbies to the game, families, and passionate golf players could come together and do what they love. And for Matthew Woodcock, it was the place to do that for many years. But now, it has a new meaning, home.
Matthew Woodcock and his wife, Jill, have bought the Old Erie Golf Club, a ninehole operation in Durhamville on March 1. And although it may not be the first place you think of to play a few rounds of golf, it is a place that guarantees a fun-filled atmosphere for everyone.
“About five years ago, the previous owners made a joke to us about buying the course when we retire,” Matthew said.
Lo and behold, he now runs the place where he proudly called himself a member for many years.
Matthew has worked on
courses for the better part of four years, and once this offer came back around, he decided to take advantage of it. And for a young family. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
“It is a great opportunity. We see us doing this long term. This place is a place where our kids can grow up and have fun. And maybe one day, they will get old enough to take it over.”
Ever since this time last year, many places were forced to shut down due to the pandemic. Many restaurants, hair salons, and even schools closed down to stop the spread of the virus. But places like the Old Erie Golf Club were able to continue and flourish.
“The best thing about this place is that it is outside, and there is built-in social distancing,” Jill said. “And hopefully, once this pandemic gets under control and people start getting the shots, we can expand to do more than just the small events we do. We can expand in new ways, and we are really excited for that.”
With surrounding clubs and courses, like Turning Stone, Old Erie isn’t high up on peoples places to play golf, but with all the hard work Matthew and Jill put in to maintain the course, it is a great place for tons of people to come and have a great time.
“This is a place where we want people of all ages and skill levels to come and have fun. We may not be like Turning Stone, but this place is in great condition, and we create a friendly atmosphere,” Woodcock added.
It is perfect to start getting out there and swing those clubs with the warm weather fast approaching. Matthew and Jill Woodcock will be waiting for you at the Old Erie Golf Club.