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OGCOA Information 2010 Course of the Year
OGCOA Information 2010 Course of the Year | 2010 Course Of The Year |
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River Greens Golf Course
Family owned and operated since 1966, River Greens earned the OGCOA’s highest annual honor by giving back to the community and the golfers who patrol its playing surfaces throughout the year. The 27-hole layout has rightly retained a reputation as one of Ohio’s top public facilities by investing its profits in course maintenance, ensuring that greens and fairways are always presented in pristine condition.  Through the years the course has become an anchor for not only the avid golfers of West Lafayette, but for the entire state of Ohio, hosting fundraisers, junior tournaments, high school clinics and high-profile college championships.
The foundation for earning such an accolade was laid many years ago, when George Davis, whose son Doug now works as River Greens head golf professional, brought in Kidwell to design the original 18 holes. A lifetime member of the PGA of America, Kidwell was often described as the “Johnny Appleseed of golf” in Ohio, designing and renovating more than 100 courses from Cincinnati to Columbus and everywhere in between. He was the founding father behind the Hurdzan-Fry Design firm and by making golf accessible to legions of Ohioans, Kidwell is credited as one of the forces who turned golf into big business in the Buckeye State. A historical marker honoring the former president of the American Society of Golf Course architects could very well be an advertisement for River Greens. It reads, “His courses flow with the land, were built for the average golfer and could be enjoyed at an affordable price.” Kidwell constructed River Greens on what was an existing family farm. The first nine holes were opened for play in 1966, followed by a second nine in 1967. Nearly 30 years later, a third nine was unveiled, giving River Greens 27 holes. As the 2010 golf season approaches, River Greens has matured into a well-manicured layout that is both challenging and player friendly. It’s also widely recognized as one of Ohio’s best, a belief that one publication more than a decade ago and continues to stand by to this day. 
River Greens still isn’t content despite all of the awards and praise. This past April, the club opened a brand new 10-acre practice facility with target greens, a 25,000-square-foot tee area, chipping and putting greens and a private teaching tee. About the Golf Course The first nine is called the River Course, which was the original front nine. It’s the shortest and tightest of the three nines and has four holes that run along the Tuscarawas River. The second nine is the Greens Course, which was the old back nine. It’s a little more open than the River Course and longer. Driving is a premium on these two courses due to the large evergreens that line the fairways. The third nine is the Pines Course. It boasts three par 3s, three par 4s and three par 5s. It was designed and built by George and his brother, Rodney, who is a course owner in Florida. Running River Greens has been a family affair for more than 43 years, and even in these struggling times, the Davis’ hope to keep it that way for another 40 years. For more information on the course, rates and directions, visit www.rivergreens.com . 
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