The Columbia Country Club is slowly being renovated in preparation for its grand opening, which its owners are hoping to be near the beginning of June. While there has been a lot of external work going on, now the “rainy season” is shifting the club’s focus to the inside.
The main building recently had new windows installed all around. Owner Allen Entrekin’s mother, Pat Entrekin, said the difference in the windows was felt immediately.
“There is no longer a draft now,” Entrekin said.
In the main building, work has begun to replace boards and paint the inside. New chandeliers make the lighting even better than it was.
Club pro David Pate is hoping to install the new greens on the golf course in March to give it time to set in before the big grand opening. While June seems to be a few months away, Pate understands the reality that “time flies” and realizes it really is not that far away.
Entrekin said once the main building is completed, the next area to fix up will be Pate’s building, which is where the pro shop will be. Pate helped Entrekin design the interior to best match their ideas. There will also be a new barn/shed to house the equipment.
She said she still does not have any word yet on the swimming pool. While she has several ideas for it, the biggest issue has been getting someone to come look it over and advise what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
Cost wise, Entrekin said they have stayed within what they have budgeted for the project. She said they knew going into it that it would take a lot of work and money to get the club back on track.
With all the work going on, they are trying to plan some events in the meantime. Entrekin said several people have booked their weddings there already. Entrekin’s daughter, Jackie Lee, said they are looking at holding a bunco event in February and maybe something in the spring.
The Entrekins own several businesses with one being in the oil field. She said that is something that they are eyeing as a concern. The oil and gas field is their bread and butter, she said.
Even though it has taken a lot of time, work and money, Entrekin is just as excited now as she was when they first began the project. She said she is still receiving a lot of positive feedback.
“If the chain is down, people drive up here all the time. They tell how much they are looking forward to it opening,” she said.
