New owners, new name bring renewed hope to local golf course

By Erika D. Goodman

The Selma Times-Journal

VALLEY GRANDE – It seems the new owners of Valley Grande Golf Course are committed to giving local patrons a unique experience.

And someone doesn’t necessarily have to be experienced on the links to see what it’s all about.

“Whether you like golf or not, you should come and see the new Valley Grande Golf Course,” John Hong said about the Valley Grande attraction.

Hong is an investor from Los Angeles who has helped Rex Bible and his wife, Brenda, with obtaining the former Ocmulgee Golf Course.

Just last Thursday, the new owners suffered their first major setback when the course was vandalized.

“The No. 2 green was completely destroyed,” Rex Bible said. “It is now repaired and ready for the golfers.”

The greens, which Bible said were his first priority, are now as beautiful as ever. “All they needed was a little TLC.”

According to Hong and Bible, generally everything needed some tender loving care. They have cleared trees and garbage off of the course, which has had a great impact on its overall look.

The fairway, tee boxes, and the rough were also repaired. Hong and Bible’s main goal is to have the course look better for the golfers.

The greens are not the only things new at the Valley Grande Golf Course. Brand new Yamaha golf carts are now available for the public. The course is also now equipped with an irrigation system that is controlled by computer.

If a golfer’s swing is in need of some rehearsal, the putting green and the driving range are always available for that practice.

There is a discount available – called the “twilight” discount – for the late golfers who get to the course after 4 p.m.

The course will enjoy its grand opening Monday morning at 10 a.m., complete with the placement of a new sign signifying the transition from the past to the present.

There are also two private tournaments coming up. One is for a church group August 5, and the Chamber of Commerce will have its private tournament at the Valley Grande Golf Course.

Even though those are private tournaments, Hong says, “Anybody who wants to utilize our facilities is welcomed.”

Hong and Bible personally thanked the people of the Valley Grande and the Selma area for being cooperative and for getting involved in the reopening of the course. The public has also given many great suggestions which have been very helpful in hopefully one day making the VGGC “the best renowned and respectable golf course in Alabama.”

Hong and Bible would also like to thank the people responsible for the foundation that was laid in the past for the golf course.

The course is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until dark and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until dark.

Anyone with questions or comments can contact Brenda or Rex Bible at 334-877-4433 or visit their Web site at www.valleygrandegolfcourse.com.