Ohio Golf Journal October 2017

theneed formore short courses to satisfy busy American’s need to enjoy a few quick holes and spend less time at the golf course. With that in mind, Dave decided to leave the driving range untouched and build a four-hole loop that traversed around it before returning to the clubhouse. Using a part of the first tee, he constructed an opening par-3, which uses the ever- present creek to protect the front of the green. The next is a dog-leg left par-4 with an elevated tee shot to a right to left canted fairway. The third hole is a short tree-lined dog- leg right par-4, which requires an accurate tee shot, plus an approach shot to an elevated green, reminiscent of a classic Donald Ross design. The final hole, a par-3, can play as short as 100 yards or be stretched to over 200 yards, when the back tees are completed. The course was a design collaboration of Dave and his son, Ben, a PGA Professional and Head Pro at Worthington Hills Golf Club in Columbus. The work was completed using all local labor, most of that being volunteered. Long- time members, Robbie Lee and Mike Kraus were just two of the work force that made construction of the new “Loop” a community effort. Short courses are springing up at many golf resorts around the country. They allow for a quick round or an “emergency nine,” to satisfy wagers among competitors. Dave has found that his junior members and high school golf teams enjoy the short course. As daylight hours become scarce in the fall, junior golfers can practice on the range, or putting green after school and still play a few holes before dark. Senior golfers and higher handicap golfers also like the shorter course and are enjoying its benefits. Lincoln Hills Golf Club just celebrated its 90 th year of operation, with the opening of the new “Loop.” Not only has Lincoln Hills survived the downturn in the golf industry, they have managed to remain a family-run and family- owned business for 70 years. In addition, the Bastel family has spawned two LPGA and Symetra Tour Professionals, three successful NCAA Division I golf coaches and seven PGA Professionals. Lincoln Hills has survived a nd prospered with the support of this small rural community and the capable management of Dave Bastel and his family.With so many of the third generation of Bastels in the golf business, it looks like it may survive for another 100 years. Ohio Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal