As a sportsman, Glenn Patch has enjoyed a week like few others. After spending the first part of this week as the Indianapolis Speedway, he returned to Branson to help christen the John Daly Murder Rock Golf & Country Club on September 21st.
“At Indianapolis, they let us take actual Indy 500 racecars around the speedway for six laps – that was fun,” Patch said. “To come back here and see this is something I’m very excited about and proud of.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen the course since it was finished. It’s met my expectations. This is what we want for this area. The views are gorgeous. I’m looking forward to people coming out and seeing it.”
The 6, 189-yard, par-71 course was actually ready for play on September 19th, but Patch phoned in instructions to club pro and general manager Chris Meade that nobody was to tee off until he and charter members did so on Friday.
“It would have cost someone $1 million to play before Glenn,” one golfer said jokingly on Friday.
Patch gave the course the proper opening it deserved by launching a 250-yard rocket off the No. 1 tee box that landed in the middle of the fairway and within an easy wedge shot of the green.
Charter members Shoji Tabuchi and Moe Bandy took some good-natured grief for out-driving Patch. Andy Williams’ first tee shot was also in the middle of the fairway, a perfect shot on a perfect day in his estimation.
“I’m very excited about the whole setup the Patches have put together here,” Williams said. “It’s fabulous. The clubhouse is gorgeous. This is something Branson has needed for some time, a course this good with a great clubhouse, good atmosphere, a big card room and beautiful pool. And, it’s a picture-perfect day today. I’m very glad to be here.”
Among the features Meade thinks first-timers will take note of on their first round of the semi-private course is the 300-foot change in elevation from the front nine to the back nine. No hole has been officially designated as the course’s signature hole, yet, but Meade figures the par-5, 502-yard No. 14 hole will be given such status.
“That’s where you get your best view of Branson,” Meade said. “You can easily see Shepherd of the Hills' Inspiration Tower from there.”
Patriot Bermuda grass makes up the fairways, unique to the Tri-Lakes area, and Crenshaw Bent green is on the putting greens.
“This is the fourth course I’ve helped open and it’s always a challenge opening a course,” Meade said. “But everyone is very please and obviously the clubhouse is wonderful.”
Information courtesy of Branson Daily New