MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas — Midland County golf course talks continued Tuesday at commissioners’ court as the county awarded the feasibility study for the potential new course to THK Associates out of Aurora, Colorado.
THK will work to provide answers on whether or not a county golf course is feasible and what amenities it would include.
“THK has about 55 years of experience doing these feasibility projects," said Jeff Somers, Midland County commissioner for Precinct 2.
Next up on the tee for Midland County is completing that feasibility project.
“It shouldn’t take that long of a period of time, and we’re going to press them to get us answers as quick as we can so we can keep this train on the track and keep moving forward with the possibility of our golf course project," Somers said.
After a month gathering bids, Midland County has their initial playing partner.
Somers has confidence in their abilities for this role in the process.
“This is not a golf course architect," Somers said. "This is just a study that says we either need a golf course and here’s how it needs to be configured or we don’t need one, and I think the answer’s going to be ‘yes, we absolutely do.’"
If that ends up being the case, a golf architect would be needed next.
For more insight on where this project could end up, the court heard from Midland Country Club Golf Course Superintendent Fore Brown.
“It’s critical to have the golf course superintendent on site during construction that way he’s familiar with the property [and] the infrastructure, and the superintendent can also lead guidance to what kind of plants to plant and what kind of grass and how to maintain it," Brown said. "A very qualified superintendent can get you through the growing process and give you a good product when you’re ready to open up.”
Brown also shared potential costs, equipment and staff that would be needed.
“I think he helped the court understand a little better of what it’s going to look like moving forward if we are successful with this project," Brown said.
And Somers is not alone in hoping this project is a hole-in-one.
“Golf is a very vital part of a lot of people’s lives," Brown said. "We need a lot more green space out here and a golf course provides that, and it provides opportunities for the citizens and especially the kids – give them something to do."