Twin Oaks hits golden anniversary

That’s right, THE Arnold Palmer. He played an exhibition match in 1963 and rolled through the course, posting the record that still stands today.

Club officials say the buzz generated by Palmer’s visit still echoes in the clubhouse and on the course, where an estimated 20,000 rounds of golf are played each year.

Since the November 1955 incorporation of Twin Oaks County Club, amenities have flourished, the grounds have matured and friendships have solidified.

‘Rock Pickers’

Less than a year after the country club was founded, the club house was officially dedicated and the swimming pool was opened. The heavy grading of the golf course was complete and grasses were planted on the fairways and greens. There were 321 club members. And there were a lot of rocks.

Charter member Billie Burrows is one of the original members fondly referred to by club patrons as “Rock Pickers.” In the early days, members would meet with buckets and wheelbarrows in hand and help clear the golf course of rocks, Burrows said.

“There would be 20 to 30 people out there, and afterwards we’d have a party,” she said.

Membership fees were $600 that first year. Now, families pay an initial fee of $12,500 for full membership, and annual dues cost around $3,500, said General Manager Jim Adkins. Less expensive partial memberships also are available, Adkins said.

Today, 640 families belong to Twin Oaks Country Club, which operates on an annual budget in excess of $3 million.

Employment has risen from an estimated 25 staff members in the early years to 60 full-time, year-round employees. At least 30 additional part-time and seasonal staffers join Twin Oaks during the summer months.

Club investments

Improvements over the years have kept the golf course running in tip-top shape, said Golf Director Max Arrowood, who has served 43 years as the club’s PGA Pro.

More than $200,000 was spent in 2001 on the 18-hole, par 71 course during a major renovation of the sand bunkers, Adkins said.

“That made the course more aesthetically pleasing – and a lot harder to play,” Adkins said.

Arrowood said the trees have matured, creating a tighter course for play.

“It’s not the most difficult course – it’s not easy, either – but it’s a friendly course,” he said.

At the same time the renovations were being made on the bunkers, the men’s locker room, patio and pool area also underwent upgrades, Adkins said. He estimated that the total cost of improvements that year was $700,000.

Two years later, Twin Oaks remodeled the women’s locker room, the ladies’ card room and the canopy over the main entrance, Adkins said.

Club member Russ Marquart said that the club is constantly upgrading and renovating.

“They try to keep it modern while still retaining that traditional club and family atmosphere,” said Marquart, who works in commercial lending at Empire Bank and recently finished a term as Twin Oaks board president.

Club officials consider the family atmosphere one of the key reasons for success. Between 70 and 90 children are on the swim team, and participation in the junior golf program has risen every year, Adkins said.

Marquart said that a number of events and activities targeting families have been added in recent years. The two-year-old club campout is one of the more popular events, with approximately 150 participating this year.

Another membership perk is the business relationships the club fosters.

“A lot of business is done around relationships, and the club gives people an opportunity to make acquaintances with other businesspeople,” Marquart said, adding that it’s a great way to entertain clients.

Burrows said that she’s made a lot of friends in the 50 years she’s been a member at Twin Oaks.

“It’s a good club, a good course, with good people,” she said.

Staff and club members agree: The best selling point the club has is its members.

The dedication and loyalty of the “Rock Pickers” set the tone for today’s membership base, Adkins said.

“We have a wonderful golf course, a great pool and tennis facilities, but it is the membership that makes Twin Oaks so special,” Adkins said.[[In-content Ad]]