Steep, wooded hillsides line the green valley bordering Little Sugar Creek, with golf greens, teeboxes and fairways nearby making up Big Sugar Golf course. The 162-acre, 18-hole, 72-par course is as much about the beauty of the Ozarks as it is about a challenging game of golf.
"It is a very difficult course," admits new co-owner Jeff Arnold.
"The thing about this is -- the landscape, that's the beautiful thing about this course. It is challenging. The beauty of it -- you won't find this anywhere else," Arnold said, adding that views of nature and wildlife add to the peacefulness and beauty of the course.
Voted the number one course in Benton County for four years by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Big Sugar is a challenging course. It is set to re-open July 4.
"A lot of people say different things about what parts are challenging.... that's what keeps people coming back, overcoming the challenging parts," he said. "People come back saying 'It's tough, but we love it.'"
Arnold and Steve Stobaugh recently leased the course from Larry Johnson of Jonesboro, who bought it in 2011.
Big Sugar was built in 2001 and opened in 2002. When it was sold at auction in November 2011, Johnson bought it. At that time, Jerry Wilkerson and Jim Roe, both of Pea Ridge, leased it from Johnson and ran it under the name Sugar Hawk Enterprises LLC; they opened March 1, 2012. They relinquished the lease in 2013. Since then, the course has been closed.
From floods to droughts, Big Sugar has seen challenges, as the farmers who have worked the land along the creek know too well. Prior to the purchase and development in 2001, the land was farm land.
"I always had an interest in this place," Arnold said. "I was a member the last two years.
"I think people took it for granted that it was in their back yard," he said, adding that he and Stobaugh have had a "big outpouring of people who can't wait to get it open."
"We've moved a few of the women's tee boxes to make it more accessible for women to play. As far as course changes, that's it," Arnold said.
There are new signs and the clubhouse restaurant will serve smoked meats --pulled pork, brisket, chicken -- and side items such as beans, potato salad and cole slaw.
"Eventually, we'll have beer and wine," he said.
The course will be open from 8 a.m. to dusk. Fees are $30 during the week and $40 on weekends and includes cart and greens fees.
Memberships are available: $145 for seniors (65 and older); $158 for single; $185 family; $250 corporate which includes two people who work at the same business. There is a one-year contract. There are no additional cart or greens fees, Arnold said.
"Our goal is 125 members. It should pay for itself," he said.
"People may check in, grab a cart and go play. Members can play all day long every day. It's unlimited."
A new metal building (40 by 60 feet) was constructed on the hill top across from the clubhouse and 50 gas golf carts are inside waiting for use.
"We will have a club pro ... tournaments, offer junior clinics, lessons," Arnold said.
There are currently three tournaments scheduled:
• July 18 -- Charles Wallace Veteran's Memorial Golf Tournament, three-man scramble, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $60/player which includes range balls, breakfast, beverages and prizes for first place in three flights;
• Aug. 7-9 -- Blackhawk Kick-off Classic, three-man scramble, $300/team includes one practice round Friday after 3 p.m.; two tournament rounds Saturday and Sunday, two lunches, one Mulligan per day per golfer and golf cart; a donation of proceeds will be made to the Blackhawk Athletic program; and
• Sept. 12 -- Pea Ridge Classic, four-man scramble, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $60/person which includes breakfast and lunch.
Owners are working with Pea Ridge schools and will not charge a fee to students who are members of the Blackhawk Golf team to play or practice.
"We've involved with the school," Arnold said. "We hope to have a couple of tournaments here and next year, we're vying for district."
There is a staff of from six to eight employees which includes Arnold, Stobaugh, the golf pro and maintenance workers, as well as the chef.
CaddiesShack (also located at 124 W. Walnut St., Rogers) will have a full pro shop, Arnold said.
"We took over April 1 this year and had to remove old greens and replant the bentgrass. The tee boxes and fairways are zoysia."
"I think it's an intriguing, challenging course with the natural beauty of the Ozarks," Arnold said. "I just know for me, it's the most beautiful place to play golf in this area.
"The changing of the elevations is a huge benefit to the popularity of it. The wildlife is amazing. You can go out there and see deer and other animals," he said.
"For me," Stobaugh said, "it's all about community involvement; we want to be a part of it and make something the people of Pea Ridge will be proud to be a part of. This is a big part of the community and a big part of Pea Ridge schools."
Business on 06/24/2015