Harvest Point’s experienced staff and immaculate greens are open for the 2008 season.

Harvest Point opened in 2000. The course has members throughout Oskaloosa and as far away as Bloomfield.

Jeff Smith is the course’s PGA professional. Lori Smith, his wife, is the pro shop manager. Mike Smith is the head superintendent. Matt Sherlock is the course’s PGA apprentice.

The Smiths are continuing an Oskaloosa golfing tradition.

Ted Smith Sr., with his wife Bea, managed the pro shop and grounds at Edmundson Municipal Golf Course from 1951 until 1965, when his son Ted Smith Jr. and his wife Judy took over. In 1987, Jeff Smith became the golf pro and his father, Ted Smith Jr., became the superintendent.

Ted Smith Jr. retired in 1999, but still helps around Harvest Point, which opened in 2000.

“It was a dream of mine to be able to design my own course,” Jeff Smith said.

Jeff Smith was recently elected to the board for PGA of America. He will begin a three-year term in November as the District 8 director, which represents Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.

He built the course for all skill levels. The driving range and practice greens on the course also provide an opportunity to practice.

Jeff Smith’s favorite hole at Harvest Point is hole three, patterned after hole 12 at Augusta National. The hole has a narrow green protected by two back bunkers and a front bunker and pond.

Hole eight, the longest hole on the course at 504 yards from the blue tees. Sherlock likes this hole the best.

“You can pretty much see the whole course from the tee,” Sherlock said.

Hole four, is a par five that runs along an active railroad line. It has a rolling fairway bending through willows to a small green protected by two bunkers. The course also features a rusty spring.

The land for Harvest Point was originally homesteaded in 1847. The homestead document signed by then President James Polk is on display in the clubhouse. Original barns are still on the course, with one being almost 100 years old.

When constructing Harvest Point, several Hardin point arrowheads were found. The logo was inspired by these arrowheads and a harvest theme, featuring apples, wheat, corn and a pumpkin.