By Barbara Palmgren
There are “come back kids” and then there are those special events or times when people fight to be sure a precious institution remains in place for the community and visitors to enjoy.
The story of the fight two years ago to save the Bluewater Bay Golf Course — and the successful effort to raise $2.5 million to do so — is well known throughout the community. Residents rallied behind the cause, determined to preserve one of Bluewater Bay’s most cherished assets. Today, the Golf Club at Bluewater is under the guidance of Elite Golf management and is experiencing a true comeback. Saving the course not only protected a beloved local landmark, but also preserved a precious and vital green space for the entire community to enjoy.
Nestled among homes in the Bluewater Bay community, golfers enjoy a course layout that is challenging, but fair. Tee times can be booked with Golf Now or by phoning the pro shop. With scenic views that often distract in a positive way, the course can now be enjoyed by golfers at all levels of play. With overseeded greens and tee boxes as well as reasonable fees, the beautiful course is ready for the winter. This could not have been accomplished without the efforts of Golf Course Superintendent, Alfredo Francisco, and his staff.
Stephan Kleemeyer, general manager, has worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure growth and success for the club. With the added bonus of now having a full-service restaurant, the Blue Tee, golfers and residents can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner from 7 a.m. to 9 pm. It might be chilly in January, but a warm lunch with accompanying beverage should be a perfect way to share stories of how an approach shot to the green resulted in a birdie on the hole! Plans are underway for a welcome snowbird party in January. I sense that once parties become part of the fabric of this club, membership will enjoy more than watching a tee shot head straight down the fairway.
Membership is the heart and soul of a golf course and new member rates encourage golfers to join. Golf carts are included in the rate. Yes, public play is important, but membership is the key to continued revenue to support the club.
So, congratulations, Preserve Bluewater Bay, INC. You have protected 150 acres of valuable, green space for community enjoyment and golf club operations. Golfers and the Bluewater Bay community are the beneficiaries of this gift to the Florida Panhandle!
