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June 2007 Business of the Month | |||||||||||||
It's every golfer's dream of owning their own playground of grass, sand and water. Diane Ritchey made her dream happen in Archie. A native of Texas, Diane played high school and college golf. After eight years teaching and coaching the sport at the high school level, she decided to make golf her full time job. She joined the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional division in 1989. “I felt it important to get my LPGA card to be able to give my clients the best knowledge possible when giving lessons,” she said. After working in both Texas and Palm Springs, Calif., she purchased Blackberry Trails in 2000. “Starting out, the challenges were finding out who the clientele would be, what improvements needed to be made to the course and what services we needed to provide to be a successful part of the community and to be a successful business,” Diane said. Today her course's challenging layout features ponds and creeks running through the course that come into play on 8 of the 9 holes. “A few golfers have the misconception that we are too short for them. What golfers don't realize is that the short game is what is the most important part of the game. As an instructor, that is what I stress first to beginner golfers.” she said. Diane currently serves on the on the educational staff in Leadership and Management for the LPGA. Several schools are held each year where Diane instructs new members on how to be successful in the business of golf. There is no better sport that you can play for your entire life than golf, Diane said. “So we try to have as many programs as possible to keep all ages involved.” She offers a junior program with lessons in the summer, as well as a $25 junior membership. She has a Senior day on Wednesday mornings, Monday night handicap league, and Tuesday night scramble league. Players have several chances during the summer to enjoy Glo Ball (night golf) and discounted twilite rates. Firefighters, police officers and teachers receive special discounts. “Our course is short enough and flat enough to enable seniors or youth to play without being frustrated that they cannot reach the green in regulation. At the same time, it's tight enough to challenge even the most seasoned golfer,” Diane said. Located at 201 East State Route A in Archie, Blackberry Trails is an ideal location for fundraising tournaments, family reunions and private parties. Diane has added a sand volleyball court, with both coed and junior league play in the summer. Give Diane a call at (816) 430-5737 and let her help you improve your game or set up a great summer outing for your group!
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