Payne Stewart Golf Club names head pro

“I knew Payne very well from my time at Hickory Hills,” Allen said. “I loved Payne and it is important to me that no one ever forgets him.”

Allen was assistant and later head golf pro at Hickory Hills Country Club in Springfield from 1984 to 1995 during Stewart’s PGA heyday. Stewart was killed in a plane crash in 1999.

Allen began Nov. 1 at the 18-hole tribute course, which is under construction in north Branson by Branson Hills Development Co.

Allen most recently worked with Rick Grayson, director of the Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation in Springfield. Allen also served as the resident pro at Ledgestone Country Club in Branson West for 10 years. He was named twice and nominated eight times as the PGA Midwest Section Merchandiser of the year.

Allen said his first task is to “mainly build membership values and the promotion of the club. We’re looking for 10 founding sponsors – they will be on the board of governors.” Allen said he already has found about half of the founding sponsors, who will each pay a $25,000 fee to join. Allen said the club also is selling 100 value-equity charter memberships with the first 25 paying $15,000. The fee goes up by $2,500 for each additional 25 charter members. All members also will pay $350 in monthly dues for the carts and for playing on the range. A unique feature of the memberships is that each member can bring a friend to play for free. “I think Payne would like that – to play golf with a friend,” he said.

Steve Johnson, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has been named golf course superintendent. CBS Sports commentator and former professional golfer Bobby Clampett, with business partner Chuck Smith, are designing the course. Allen said a plaque at each hole will commemorate a characteristic of Stewart.

“For instance, at the first hole, the players are invited to shake hands with their competitors and wish them a good day,” he said. “Payne always wanted everybody to enjoy the day.”

At another hole, there are 23 boulders and 23 pine trees designating the 23 second-place PGA finishes Stewart recorded.

Allen said a book being written by Clampett about the course will document the meaning behind each hole. Allen said an approximately 11,000-square-foot clubhouse will house Stewart memorabilia. The course is expected to be finished by fall 2007 with a grand opening to be held in spring 2008.[[In-content Ad]]