VMGC named 9-Hole Course of the Year

The Iowa Golf Association announced on Friday, Oct. 24, that Veterans Memorial Golf Club, Clear Lake, was named 9-Hole Course of the Year at the 2014 Annual Awards ceremony.

“The course has come a long way and each year it has gotten better and better, so now it’s starting to get noticed for what great shape it’s in,” said Mike Oimoen, director of golf at Veterans Memorial Golf Club.  “The grounds crew and the VMGC Board has done a great job in making improvements each and every year.  The one thing that makes this place really go is the members and the community.  Their support is truly amazing.”  

It was just a few years ago All-Vets Golf Course looked to be in jeopardy of closing permanently.  New ownership was being sought and it was the fear of many that the course would be converted to residential properties due to its close proximity to the lake.

The City of Clear Lake recognized the importance of the facility as a recreational and tourist attraction and acquired the property in May of 2011.  Soon after, the Veteran’s Memorial Golf Club Foundation was formed to oversee the operation of the course.

“To be recognized as one of the best in the state is an honor for the course, but also for the community of Clear Lake.  One of the great things about this community is the willingness of volunteers.  This award reflects directly on the greatness of this community,” said Oimoen.

The members of Veterans Memorial Golf Club stepped up to support the club in many ways including volunteering many hours to improve the conditions of the buildings and grounds.  A new deck was built on the clubhouse and the bag shed and locker rooms were remodeled.  The bunkers were also restored, tee boxes  were added, trees removed and out-buildings painted.

According to Oimoen there are still a few projects to complete.  The cart paths are on the agenda for improvement this spring.

Another area Oimoen is hoping to emphasize is the junior golf program.

“We started a weekly program this summer to get the younger age group out to the course and give them a chance to get better and enjoy the game of golf,” said Oimoen.

Oimoen credits Tom Sherman, from Oak Hills Golf Course, in Clear Lake, for the success of youth golfers in the area.

“I grew up playing golf there just like every other kid in town, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Tom has done for junior golf and I hope to grow the game of golf for the younger generation like he has,” said Oimoen.

Oimoen credits his ground crew, Superintendent Jeremy Amosson, Mike Tarr, Brent Tarr and Bob Purcell, for all they do to make the course what it is.  He also credits the VMGC Board members, President Jay Barragy, Tom Alexander, Shane Cooney, Ed Halback, Vicki Hensley, Tom Lovell, Steve Johnson and Matt Mixdorf for their support.