By Barbara Palmgren
Nestled in the Panhandle of Florida, lies a golf club that welcomes players of every skill level. Located in Navarre, The Club at Hidden Creek was purchased by the Navarre-Navarre Water System in 2012 and serves as a spray field for the area. Unlike most courses in the winter, millions of gallons of water are used to keep the course lush and green. The landscape, rolling terrain and scenic beauty make playing the game special at this location.
Trey Childs, Director of Golf, keeps the golf course profitable. Besides membership and a competitive rate schedule, a loyalty program allows players to earn points toward free or reduced prices for golf. Golfers earn one point for every dollar spent on golf.
Trey has served as Director of Golf for over three years. Graduating from Florida State University in a professional golf management program, Trey started his career working in the golf industry from being an assistant golf professional to a general manager. For 15 years, beginning at Kelly Plantation, Trey has worked at courses like Tiger Point in Gulf Breeze and Bay Point Golf Club in Panama City.
So, what drew him to The Club at Hidden Creek? This hidden gem speaks for itself and now Trey lives and works in Navarre. Trey says it’s a great course and a destination that local and out-of-town golfers enjoy. With a driving range and practice putting green, the course also boasts a well-stocked Pro Shop. Golfers enjoy food options at the turn between the nine holes with items like pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs. After a round, a fully staffed bar awaits! Their lovely banquet room is used for outside catered events and a monthly pot-luck dinner.
The course superintendent and crew are credited with maintaining excellent courses conditions. The 80 Yamaha leased golf carts are protected in the cart barn and ready for tee time use at this semi-private course.
Trey’s favorite hole is number 8. This signature hole is a Par 5 that Trey calls a risk/reward hole. Longer hitters can get to the green in two strokes if they hit the perfect tee shot. Trouble awaits those who can’t. The course was designed by Ron Garl in the mid-80’s and plays 6,823 yards from the back tees. Several tee box choices ensure that expert players and newcomers enjoy the game of golf.
So, is it worth the search to find a golf course that you can enjoy for a price that works as well? Does this hidden gem reward the golfer? A short drive off Highway 98 will lead you to this hidden treasure that is Navarre’s premier golf destination.
Perhaps certain lyrics can be changed to answer that question.
“Somewhere over the rainbow, not quite out of reach,
There’s a course that I heard of, close to a sandy beach.
Somewhere over the rainbow, hidden beneath the sky,
There’s a course that I heard of, one that I long to try.
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where birdies drop like lemon drops
On Par 4’s when I reach the green
Oh, that’s my memory.
Somewhere over the rainbow, playing golf at Hidden Creek
My dream will be rewarded
I’ll find golf treasure that I seek.
