Sherman family forced to close Arrowhead

This will be final weekend for South Shore golf course

The Sherman family takes great pride in offering entertainment opportunities in Clear Lake.  However, one of their recreational hot spots will be closing this weekend.

Arrowhead Golf Course, a nine-hole, par 34 course developed near Clear Lake State Park by the family more than 30 years ago, will no longer be a golf course.  The Shermans have been told to vacate the property they have leased for decades by Oct. 15.  The course has been maintained for a final weekend of play this week.

“We have no idea what the plan is for the property, but it won’t be a golf course,” said Bob Sherman, who runs the course along with his brother, John, and mother, Betty.  “There is speculation it will be given to the state, but we have not been told anything.”

Arrowhead Golf Course got its start as “Shag-Go,” which used a Cayman style golf ball developed by Jack Nicholas.  The dimples on the ball protruded out, instead of in, limiting the flight of the ball and making it perfect for a shorter course.  Betty’s husband, Gene, pursued the Shag-Go course and rented the land Arrowhead now occupies from family friends Jean and the late Holmes Pedelty.   The Shermans and Pedeltys had reached an agreement for the sale of the property, but Pedelty died before it could be finalized, according to Betty.

The two parties operated under a verbal agreement for decades, which allowed the Shermans to keep developing the course.  Shag-Go eventually evolved to become Willow Creek Golf Course and eventually Arrowhead.   The family re-worked the course at least four times, they say, even expanding their watering system two years ago with the permission of the land owner.

“We’ve had people in tears about the course closing,” said John.  “Everybody has been sharing their sentiments about how sad they are.”

“We have a lot of reunions out here, with friends and families getting together for fun.  Businesses have also enjoyed informal get-togethers here,” added Bob.  

As they work to tear down the small clubhouse on the site and remove any above-ground improvements, the Shermans are sad as well. - Read More Via e-Edition