Harvest Point Golf Course

OSKALOOSA April 04, 2008 01:12 pm

— 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.
“I think the course has a lot of character to it,” Jeff Smith said.
When Smith designed the course, he tried to make it of average difficulty. There are four different tees and generous landing areas. Smith also did not plant a large number of trees. He said a lot of golfers like the playability of the course.
Sherlock said the greens are mowed six times a week. This keeps the greens consistent throughout the week.
“It’s the best feature of the facility,” Sherlock said.
The price for one bucket of approximately 50 balls at the driving range is $4. Two buckets go for $7, four buckets go for $12 and 10 buckets go for $25. Seniors get a rate of $2 per bucket.
Golf lessons are available by appointment. Instruction for 30 minutes costs $25 and group prices are available.
The price of shooting nine holes at the course is $11. Season memberships are at capacity. There is a waiting list for future membership openings.
Harvest Point is located at 1507 15th Ave. W., west of Edmundson Municipal Golf Course. For more information call (641) 673-3100.

Photos

The Oskaloosa Herald