By Stan Olenik Editor-Publisher

Boscobel has long been a favorite course for amateurs, tournaments and everyday play.

Now Coby Gambrell and Jon Guenthner, the owners of the course in Pendleton, have bought the Woodhaven Par 3 course just down the road.

They have renamed the course The Bel – Short Course and are in the process of taking over the operation of the nearby course.

“Our vision is to create a seamless connection between the two properties, offering enhanced experience for our members, guests, and the Pendleton community.,” the owners said in a press release.

The new owners purchased the course from Clint and Lorri Wright. who have owned and operated the course for around 30 years.

“We are so glad that we were able to work out this deal with Coby and Jon,” said Wright. “We had offers for the land to be developed, but we wanted the course to stay a golf course for the community. We know the new owners will do a good job,” he said,

Adding a second course to The Bel required the owners to staff up their new addition.

Veteran upstate course manager Jeff “Mud” Evatt will join the Boscobel team to help run the The Bell-Short Course.

Evatt will assist with golf operations at Boscobel and take the lead at the new addition starting January 1st.

“I really appreciate getting the opportunity to work with Coby and Jon and everyone at Boscobel,” said Evatt. “They have some great plans for the course and I can’t wait to help get things going,” he said.

Gambrell and Guenthener are just as pleased they were able to get “Mudd” back in their operation.

“Jeff has been a part of our extended family for many years, and we are incredibly grateful to have him back with us. His deep connection to our community and passion for what we do make him an invaluable addition.,” the owners noted in a Facebook post.

Boscobel’s superintendent Will Landry will be the Director of Agronomy for both courses.

“We have some decisions to make about some elements at the course,” said Landry. “I can tell you it has good bones,” he said.

The course was built by Dick Herbert from a Willie B. Lewis design around 1983. Lewis also designed Smithfields, Pickens, Southern Oaks and Bald Mountain among his works in the area.

Nine hole courses like Woodhaven have often been called an Executive length golf course because they may have one or two par 4 holes.

The plan for The Bel – Short Course is to change it to a complete par 3.

“We are going to change the par 4 holes to par 3s,” said Gambrell. “The course has lights, but golf course lighting has gotten so much better we are looking at updating the lights,” he said.

With the growth of golf and especially the success of The Bel, adding another place for Boscobel members and guests to play made the addition of the Woodhaven course possible.

“We are going to have some things available to members at both courses,” said Guenthner. “Our goal is to create a vibrant space filled with events, social activities, and fun for Boscobel members, guests, and the entire Pendleton community,” he added.

To follow the progress of the new addition Boscobel has added a new Facebook page , The Bel Short Course

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