By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
When Rick Ball moved to Great Bend in 1974 he was looking for a good way to exercise. Living close by, he eventually joined the golf club, which has been known for years as Stoneridge Country Club.
Along with other investors, Ball eventually spent time in ownership of the 18-hole golf course located on the northeast side of Great Bend on 24th Street. Although Stoneridge has had multiple owners since Ball and other investors sold the course in 2007, they “carried” a financial note with the business.
The previous ownership failed to make mortgage payments for years, and after a
long, drawn-out court proceeding the new Club at Stoneridge owners took over ownership of the course last
December. Currently closed, Ball is now looking at what it will take to reopen
a once well-kept golf course.
"It's going to take the involvement of former and new members; I'm not going to be able to do it by myself," said Ball. "We'll get others involved as soon as we get our arms around what all needs to be done."
Ball said the court proceeding to foreclose on the course
dragged on for nearly two years.
There are over 120 acres throughout the golf course which has not been watered recently and has weeds taking over sections.
Ball noted the course needs to be addressed first but felt
like the clubhouse is also essential to make the venture successful. The clubhouse
features a bar and restaurant with a large kitchen, multiple banquet and
conference rooms, golf shop and a fitness room.
Conversations have taken place with City of Great Bend officials on whether or not
the city wanted to get involved with the property to make the club into
a partial public course. Ball said he is open to continue those
conversations.
"It would be nice to have the city involved somewhat," said Ball. "I'm a private businessman so I like to do things private, but there is a place for the city to participate also. If we don't go forward, I would consider this a negative for Great Bend if there is not a golf course for people to play. It helps bring businesses and people to town."
At the time, Ball does not have plans to keep or maintain the swimming pool at the country club.
"There are people that have offered to step up and help financially to get it done," said Ball. "We'll welcome that if we make the final decision to go forward."
