Clubhouse to be built at Maple Creek Golf Club

Construction is under way on a 7,000-square-foot clubhouse at Maple Creek Golf Club Bar and Grill in Shepherd.

Since a group of Alma-based physicians bought the golf course in May, a temporary trailer has been used as a clubhouse and pro shop, but when the building is finished for the 2011 golf season, Maple Creek, located at 8400 S. Genuine Road, will have a full-service kitchen, bar, fully stocked pro shop and a lounge area with a fireplace, manager Nick Cononico said.

With seating for about 200, depending on table sizes and configurations, the facility will be equipped to host wedding receptions, banquets and other events on a year-round basis, Cononico said.

“We want to convey to the community that it’s a family-oriented restaurant,” he said.

Workers from JBS Contracting in Mt. Pleasant started construction of the two-story building the first week of December.

In addition to a bar, restaurant, pro shop and restroom facilities, the building will house offices and will have large windows near the bar offering views of the course and an extended driving range.

Cononico said Maple Creek’s location is good for customers from Isabella and Gratiot counties.

In addition to the new clubhouse, other improvements have been made at the course.

New Toro equipment has been purchased, and all of the cart paths have been improved, Cononico said.

Last year, there was a problem with ash borers, and all the trees on the course were treated, he said.

The maintenance budget has been increased to allow for complete aeration, and 4,000 yards of sand and 5,000 yards of gravel have been added to the course, Cononico said.

Chemical and fertilization budget have also been increased, he said.

“It’s going to be a different course,” he said.

Plans also call for renovations on the maintenance and cart buildings, and a new fleet of carts has been ordered, Cononico said.

A website, maplecreekgolf-shepherd.com, is under construction as well, he said.

So far, construction is on track and is ongoing, he said.

There are already four leagues and several outings scheduled for this year’s golf season, Cononico said.

Shepherd High School’s golf team will also play at Maple Creek, moving to that course from Riverwood this year, he said.

The Morning Sun