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Show 'September the state pass it up in 20, 1979 Pago 13 comfort and quality. s a dream ' Sdhumekers' 100 golfers in the Ogden area that golfed actively and were at least 80 years old or older. Dream Come True It was like a dream come true the day my dad decided to chance building his own golf course," said Ernie, "Of course ground prices werent like they are now and neither were any of the other expenses." Ernie Sr. chose an piece of ground where Riverside spreads itself today. My dad found the ground very conducive for a golf course. It had two different levels which helped form different contours. TTiere were plenty of trees too he added. Riverside is a beautiful spot because its down in a little valley. During the summer months it's a little cooler and during the winter were a little warmer." Consequently says Ernie, Riverside has ap proximately three weeks more on the golf season than most courses in the area. He figures that his course is only out of business for a couple months during the year, from December 15th to February 15th. "Thats a pretty long season for this part of the country, said Ernie. Riverside made a major change in 1970 under Ernie Jr.s direction. Ernie Sr. had passed away in 1968. It was a lot of hard work and I learned a lot in building this course, says Ernie. Ernie admits the Riverside driving range is one of the biggest assets to the course. "This gives the better golfer a place to; practice and the beginner golfers a place to learn. Our 'par three course is also a big . 85-ac- re j j asset" Riverside has an excellent Ladies Association on the ijfawiAi course according to course owner. On the Riverside course there are three associations, including the Mens Association. "I believe you need these associations to keep the interest up and stimulate play. Competition is good for the players," said Ernie. The associations try to plan at least four or five socials or events during the each month. "I Mnit growing up on the golf course really helped me. Learning the maintenance factors of a golf course were important, especially today. Ive always said that if a golf course had a super course superintendent, someone who cares about the course, all you'd have to do is stand and take the players fees as they came out. A well maintained course is hard to find. Most people know how hard it is to keep a yard in shape, well just take that and magnify it a hundred times and youd find how difficult it is to maintain a quality course. Then have a bunch of people come in and chop it up all day., I feel weve done a pretty good Job at Riverside, weve got a great crew. The trees make it a little more work but it sure is nice having them. During the summer months when its up around the 90s youre awfully glad there are big cottonwoods blocking out that warm sun. "Weve planted over 800 various trees in the past and do plan to take a few trees out that do not come into play, finished Ernie. ERNIE SCHNIETER grew up on the Ogden Golf and Country Club and today is the owner of his own golf course. |