Our Opinion: Unique golf venue linked to our community

Add a handicap-accessible golf course to list of recreational amenities in Mid-Missouri.

On Saturday morning, a new nine-hole, par-3 course at Turkey Creek Golf Center in north Jefferson City will be the site of a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Missouri Golf Association along with the Missouri Junior Golf Foundation.

The Ken Lanning Golf Center, a public course, is designed to provide children and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn and enjoy golf with a course specifically designed to meet their unique needs.

Comparatively shorter and flatter than other golf venues, the course will be open to players of all capabilities and ages.

Saturday’s ribbon-cutting marks fruition of of an idea from Scott Hovis, executive director of the Missouri Golf Association. “I love this game,” Hovis said, “and wanted to build a course allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy it.”

The course was designed by architect Todd Clark of CE Golf Design in Kansas City and constructed by Wadsworth Golf Construction Company with the help of the Missouri National Guard.

It is named in honor of legendary Missouri golf icon Ken Lanning, a Rolla native and WWII veteran who was devoted to teaching youngsters the game of golf. Lanning, who died in 2014, sponsored the Ken Lanning Junior Golf Tournament for 27 years and is among the honorees in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

An added feature at the golf center is a 2-acre lake with a handicap-accessible dock, fully stocked with fish courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The facility’s contribution to the Jefferson City area was lauded by Diane Gillespie, executive director of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This is a great addition to our community and the state,” she said, “and will benefit many groups such as Special Olympics Missouri and Wounded Warriors, as well as those visitors that wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to play the game.”

We agree.

Since its inception, players have found the game of golf to be both rewarding and challenging; golf requires players to practice concentration, persistence and integrity.

The Ken Lanning Golf Center is a valuable and welcome resource for our community’s residents and visitors.