Almost three weeks ago, Spring Valley Golf Course suffered severe damage to the course’s clubhouse and pro shop. Despite the setback, co-owner Carol Semeyn says the course is preparing to potentially open next week.

The opening date has not yet been confirmed, as course management continues to watch the weather to determine the best time. According to Semeyn, Tuesday, Apr. 8, is the earliest date currently being considered. 

“We are going to try and make business work as it was,” Semeyn said.

According to Semeyn, Spring Valley is currently in a “holding pattern” with contractors to determine the next course of action in rebuilding.

In the meantime, the course plans to place a makeshift pro shop in one of the maintenance barns near the clubhouse. They will not be able to cook food but will have drinks and snacks for golfers.

The clubhouse caught on fire just before 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 15. Official cause for the fire was a significant lightning strike to the building’s exterior. According to Semeyn, the building was right in the storm’s path that morning.

 

^{A photo of the clubhouse remains after the fire on Mar. 15 (Photo by Branden Rhodes).}

“Fire officials told us the building couldn’t have been in a better place,” Semeyn said. “I woke up to someone banging on my garage door. He told me the course was on fire.”

Inside the clubhouse were many pieces of collectible memorabilia, including unique chairs and tables worth over $3,000. The building, along with many other items inside, were considered a “total” loss. An irrigation control panel was also damaged, which was used to turn on and schedule the course’s sprinkle systems.

Despite the incident, Semeyn says memberships have still been coming in for the season.

“We haven’t any members ask for their money back. Memberships are still coming in at the same rate.”

Semeyn also said the course is still debating on their ability host outings. The first scheduled outing is planned for Sunday, Jun. 1.

_{Photos credits to Branden Rhodes, Big Rapids Media.}