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Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010

Waterford Golf Club in 19th year of military appreciation

When Tommy Wood decided to build a golf course in the southern part of Houston County in the early ’90s, he had two goals in mind: make it user friendly and make it military friendly.

This February marks the 19th year of Military Appreciation Month at the Waterford Golf Club.

Active duty and active reservists may play at the Waterford any day during the month of February with no greens fees. The Waterford also hosts Military Appreciation Days throughout the year on the first Thursday of every month.

It is one of many Houston golf clubs, including Houston Lake Country Club, International City Golf Course, Perry Country Club and The Landings Golf Club, that offer discounts to military personnel.

When the Waterford opened in 1991, there were four golf courses in Houston County. Wood, who was the former head golf professional at Pine Oaks Golf Course on Robins Air Force Base, saw a need for another course.

“We had a large civilian workforce who wanted to play the base golf course,” Wood said. “But at the time, only a few hundred were eligible. I saw that with a large segment retiring, there would be a need for another course.”

Wood had the Waterford designed specifically for older and younger golfers.

“It was never designed to be a championship course,” he said. “We wanted it to appeal to the older and younger golfers. We didn’t want the course so difficult that they would get frustrated or not take up the game.”

The course also was designed with women in mind. Wood said many times tees for women are added as an afterthought, but when the Waterford was designed, tees for women golfers were included in the process.

Wood said ease and enjoyment of play even went into the type of grasses and vegetation that were placed on the course, as well as the number of bunkers.

Wood said starting Military Appreciation Month was natural for someone who grew up in Warner Robins.

“I have seen firsthand the things they do for us and the sacrifices they make,” Wood said. “We wanted to recognize that contribution.”

Waterford opened during the first Gulf War, and Wood said he was moved by the sacrifice of soldiers being separated from their families during overseas deployments.