By Jeff Murphy,
May 9, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – After an extensive one-year, multi-million dollar renovation project,
the University of Central Missouri is celebrating a new chapter in the history of
Keth Memorial Golf Course through the grand opening of Mules National Golf Club Friday,
May 27, at 5 Par Drive in Warrensburg. The celebration gives people an opportunity
to see the professional quality golf facilities, along with Traditions Restaurant
and the Audrey J. Walton Clubhouse at Pertle Springs, which are part of Mules National.
“This is a significant milestone in the history of Keth Memorial Golf Course,” said
Jerry Hughes, UCM athletic director. “Under the Mules National Golf Club umbrella,
we now have some of the finest golf facilities in this region, and we’re excited to
share them. We’re confident that because of the exceptional quality of work that has
been accomplished, Mules National will become a popular destination spot drawing people
from throughout this region to Warrensburg and to UCM.”
Activities planned during the grand opening include hands-on opportunities for individuals
to try out the golf course, participate in competitive events, and participate in
a Mizuno demo day. A highlight of this celebration is a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony
at 4 p.m. at the 18th hole island green. Special remarks by UCM President Charles
Ambrose, Hughes and other special guests will be provided at this time.
Other grand opening day festivities include the first tee times at 7 a.m. Everyone
who plays golf on that day will receive a sleeve of commemorative MNGC golf balls
and a a Mules National ball marker. Because of anticipated demand, individuals who
wish to play golf are encouraged to book their tee times early by calling 660-543-4182.
Throughout the day, MNGC will host contests at each of the 18 holes. This includes
competitive events for the longest drive, longest putt, hitting the ball closest to
the pin, and more. Drawings also will be conducted throughout the day to award prizes
such as apparel, concert tickets, gift cards, and a grand prize for a one-year walking
membership to MNGC.
Joe Bauer with Mizuno Golf will be on hand from noon until 3:30 p.m. offering Mules
National customers the opportunity to test Mizuno products. Bauer also will be providing
a one-of –a-kind fitting experience for golfers looking to test new clubs.
Immediately following the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, Traditions Restaurant will
host a cocktail hour with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. A steak dinner special at
Traditions rounds out the evening.
With support from its Board of Governors, UCM in spring 2015 began a major renovation
project at Keth Memorial Golf Course to help replace aging greens that were installed
in 1972 and had exceeded their life expectancy. Audrey J. Walton, Versailles, provided
a gift through the UCM Alumni Foundation that helped support the course improvements,
and it reopened in November 2015.
Featuring an island green on the 18th hole and a 650-yard par five, the golf course
now provides a difficult, yet fair challenge for golfers of every ability. Each hole
offers its own unique layout while maintaining a level of continuity such as four
distinct sets of tee boxes per hole, white sand bunkers placed to challenge every
shot, zoysia fairways, and USGA-spec bentgrass greens. Golfers also can enjoy a relaxing
round with concrete cart paths, quiet electric carts, and food and drinks delivered
to any hole by Traditions Restaurant.
With the renovation, UCM also selected Mules National Golf Club as a unifying brand
that incorporates all of the operations at the golf course, including the restaurant
and clubhouse.
Individuals who would like more information about the grand opening or Mules National
Golf Club should contact MNGC staff at 660-543-4128.
