Boscobel owners bring same quality golf experience to the old Woodhaven Par 3

Fun, Fast and Affordable” isn’t just a slogan — it’s both a goal and a promise from the new owners of the former Woodhaven par-3, now renamed the Bel Short Course in Pendleton.

For the past eight years, Jon Guenthner and Coby Gambrell have owned and operated the nearby Boscobel Golf Club — better known today to Upstate golfers simply as The Bel. When the chance came to acquire Woodhaven, they saw an opportunity to expand The Bel’s footprint, add value to their membership, and preserve a community asset at a time when too many area courses have been lost to development.

The short course gives our members and guests another way to enjoy the game,” said Guenthner. “It’s something different, but it still reflects the same quality and hospitality we’ve built at The Bel.”

The transition wasn’t accidental. Woodhaven’s longtime owner, Clint Wright, and his wife wanted to be sure their course stayed golf. After decades of mentoring young professionals, Wright had watched Guenthner and Gambrell lead The Bel through challenges and into growth. He hand-picked them to take Woodhaven forward.

And they, in turn, picked Jeff Evatt — better known to Upstate golfers as “Mud” — to lead the transition at the short course. A longtime friend and former staff member at The Bel, Evatt is widely respected for both his easygoing personality and his ability to connect with golfers of all levels.

“It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s affordable — and people are responding,” said Evatt. “We’ve doubled our early membership goals, and more importantly, we’re giving people a place where they feel welcome.”building on Tradition

The new owners had the good fortune of former owner Joey Herbert helping with the transition and continuing as an experienced mentor. His steady guidance gave Guenthner and Gambrell the confidence to put their own stamp on the club.

From those uncertain months to today’s full tee sheets, the journey has shaped their outlook. Guenthner and Gambrell now see the need not only to continue investing in The Bel, but also to create new opportunities for members and guests. The purchase of the par-3 — now the Bel Short Course — is the clearest example of that vision in action.

That proved invaluable when they faced a near-death experience early in their tenure, as Boscobel’s once-renowned greens began to fail. Replacing them so soon into ownership was a hard and risky decision, but with Herbert’s advice and the loyalty of the membership, they pushed through and rebuilt.

Junior Golf and Tournaments

Part of The Bel’s reputation is tied to its proud tradition in junior golf. Each year, the course hosts one of the state’s premier junior tournaments, the Harvey Brock 

The event honors Harvey Brock, the beloved teaching professional who introduced hundreds of juniors to the game and helped launch the careers of many young players. The Orange Jacket remains one of the most prestigious titles in junior golf in South Carolina, and its legacy ties The Bel’s past to its present.

But tournaments at The Bel aren’t just for juniors. Weekend member events — the Bel Classic, the Cranberry, the Frost Bite and others — have become staples of the calendar, with fields full of golfers who may be more interested in comparing scorecards over an adult beverage afterward than chasing college scholarships. These gatherings are part competition, part reunion, and a big reason members keep coming back.

Now, that tradition of tournament play may soon expand to the short course as well.

“I love being involved in tournaments, always have,” said Evatt. “To be able to come over here and be part of the Bel Classic, the Cranberry, the Frost Bite — that’s special. And now to have the opportunity to take the project and run with the Bel Short Course, that’s a blessing. We’re just getting started, but there’s no question events will be part of its future.”

That blend — juniors chasing trophies, members enjoying weekend competitions, and a short course ready for its own slate of events — ensures The Bel remains a golf community for all ages and skill levels.

A Superintendent’s Stamp

The owners are quick to point out that the success of both The Bel and the short course owes much to superintendent Will Landry. His work has been described as nothing short of remarkable.

“Will has done a phenomenal job,” Guenthner said. “What he’s accomplished in just eight months, taking us from winter to a strong growing season, has been tremendous. We’re blessed to have him.”

Members often joke about what would happen if Augusta National ever called Landry. His response is simple: he’s happy where he is. That loyalty and expertise have become a cornerstone of The Bel’s success.

Clemson Connection

The Bel Short Course has quickly become a hub for beginners, juniors, and college students. Its walkable nine-hole layout is the perfect fit for Clemson University’s most popular elective — golf. Nearly 300 students registered this fall, with a waiting list on top of that. They drive off campus to the short course, bringing friends and energy with them.

“Fun, fast, and affordable” has become the short course’s motto, and it has struck a chord. For many students and new players, it’s their first real golf experience — and it often leads them to The Bel itself.

Looking Ahead

The plans for the short course are just beginning. Lighting for limited night golf is in the works, with hopes of offering play on select evenings each week. Food and beverage service will expand to include snacks, sandwiches, and screw-top aluminum beers that are easy to take on the course.

And then there are the tournaments. Evatt takes special pride in helping with events at both properties, from the Bel Classic to the Cranberry and Frost Bite. Being given the chance to “take the project and run with it” at the short course is a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly.

Community Over Development

In an era when many golf courses are being sold to developers, The Bel stands apart. 

Guenthner and Gambrell are local, deeply tied to Pendleton and the Upstate. There hasn’t been a whisper of the land being flipped for housing. 

Instead, year by year, they pour resources back into the course — and now into the short course too.

“It’s more than just golf,” said Evatt. “It’s about building relationships and making sure people feel welcome. When you’ve got that in a community, it’s worth preserving — and that’s why keeping this a golf course matters.”

That loyalty — owners to members, members to owners — has created a momentum that feels rare and refreshing.

The Bel’s Next Decade

It’s been eight years since Guenthner and Gambrell took the leap of ownership, guided by Herbert’s steady influence and backed by the loyalty of members.

 Today, The Bel is more than just a golf course. It’s a mainstay of Upstate golf, home to a premier junior event, a community anchor, and now the proud caretaker of a new short course that broadens its reach.

The new owners of the Bel Short Course recognize it has the form, structure, and facilities — “the bones” — to grow into a quality companion and seamless addition to the success enjoyed at The Bel. And with a philosophy built on being fun, fast, and affordable, that promise is already being kept.