The new 10,000 square-foot WinStar Golf Course clubhouse features a pro shop, locker room, grill and banquet facilities.

THACKERVILLE, Okla. – Construction is complete and the new WinStar Golf Course opened for public play on Aug. 16.

The new daily fee course is being referred to as the “latest jewel in the WinStar Casino Complex” located one mile north of the Red River and east of Interstate 35 in southern Oklahoma.

As to the remarkable fete in the midst of our extended drought and horrendous stretch of 100 degree days, head golf professional at WinStar Golf Course, Mike Hammond said, “It is very difficult to open a new golf course when drought conditions exist.”

The 18-hole par-72 championship quality course was designed by current PGA Champions Tour player D.A. Weibring and his Golf Resources Group and golf course architect Steve Wolfard, both headquartered in Plano, Texas.

Beverage cart attendant Carrie Martin made certain we did not have to play thirsty. Carrie has worked at WinStar for 3 years, lives in Gainesville, Texas, and is a recent graduate of Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.

"The Weibring Group is known for the natural look and artistic character of their golf courses," Hammond said.

Built to compliment the natural setting, the course features sandy natural areas, native prairie grasses, tree groupings, four lakes and native wildlife on a development free 225 acres.

"D.A. and chief architect Steve Wolfard have taken a beautiful piece of native land and created a golf course that not only fits the lay of the land but is gorgeous to look at as well as fun and challenging for any level of player." Hammond added.

The goal of a golfer friendly resort-type golf course has been accomplished according to Hammond. He said, "It is a position golf course but there are no forced carries from tee to green, so golf-on-the-ground is possible.”

For me and my partner for the round, Ron Keaton, it was a refreshing difference – no forced carries. Here worm-burners are not all bad, provided you hit them in the right direction. However there are other things to consider when deciding on shot selections.

Hammond added, “Players can take more aggressive lines of play but that brings hazards into the equation. The beauty of the golf course is in its risk-reward with players able to examine all options from the tee box and landing areas."

Keaton agreed with Hammond saying, “[There are some] challenging holes that required some shot placement, but not so difficult as to discourage us duffers.”

I assume Keaton was including me when he said, “us.”

All 18 fairways and surrounds are already a lush green and, as every golfer knows, behind every good golf course there is a good course superintendent and staff of groundskeepers.

Hammond said, "…Superintendent Charles Wise and his staff have done an outstanding job preparing the golf course for play despite the diversity this summer. We feel the day-to-day condition of our golf course will be our major differentiating factor.”

View from the blue tee of WinStar Golf Course hole #1 on opening day August 16, 2006

“[It] will be interesting to see what the final course looks like after the completion of the waste bunkers and any other water hazards that are still under construction,” Keaton said.

Some modifications are still in progress on some areas of the course but they do not affect play.

The Bent grass greens are smooth and in excellent condition.

Hammond said, “It is easy to see that even with a few months of maturity, this will be a beautiful, and beautifully maintained golf course."

Other options to players and non-players is the 10,000 square-foot clubhouse that features a pro shop, locker room, grill and banquet facilities that seat up to 180. Arranged to accommodate corporate outings, wedding receptions, business and social meetings or golf tournaments, as well as service everyday golfing needs, the clubhouse design compliments the surrounding rural environment.

Add to all of this the inviting greeting and friendly service you can expect from the course staff and you will experience a new golf course that is sure to be, as they say, a sure bet.

BARRY VERMILLION can be reached at barry.v@weathertogolf.com .

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Mr. Al Shaklee, Starter, gave us some final instructions and sent us to the first tee.

WinStar Golf Course

Address: Route 1, Box 694

Thackerville, OK 73459

Phone: 580-276-1240, or toll free 866-466-1482

Hours: Summer (April-October) – 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Winter (Nov.-March) – 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dress code: No metal spikes. Cutoffs not allowed. Men must wear a shirt with sleeves. Ladies allowed to wear sleeveless shirt that covers the tops of the shoulders.

Coolers: Only those provided by WinStar allowed. No outside food or drinks.

Tee time: Available up to 7 days in advance, WinStar Microtel Inn & Suites guests up to 60 days in advance, tournaments and special outings up to one year in advance. Walk-ons are welcome subject to space availability.

Holes: 18

Yardage: 4,993-7,341

Tees: Five sets.

Red: 4,993

Gold: 6,071

White: 6,405

Blue: 6,838

Black: 7,341

Par: 72

Greens: Bent

Fees: Daily rates Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays- 18 holes $60; 9 holes $37; twilight, $40. Replay $20 subject to tee time availability.

Daily rates Monday-Thursday, excluding holidays- 18 holes $45; 9 holes $28; twilight $30. Seniors (55 years of age or older) and full-time college students (18-23 years of age) 18 holes $39, 9 holes $28; Juniors (17 years of age and under) 18 holes $30, 9 holes $25. Replay $20 subject to tee time availability.

Rates include golf with shared cart and warm up bag of range balls. Must have a valid driver’s license to operate golf carts.

Walking is permitted, however carts are recommended.

Special rates with purchase of Golf Course Player’s Card or Multi-Play Cards available. Contact Golf Shop for specifics.

Stay and play packages are also available through WinStar Microtel Inn & Suites, 580-276-4487.

Pro shop: Fully stocked pro shop. Cobra rental clubs, club repair, golf equipment and golf attire.

Food and drinks: Full dining and banquet facility.

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