GLASGOW, KY – Willow Oaks Golf Club held a celebration of their 5 year anniversary Monday. The club sits on the property formerly known as The Glasgow Golf and Country Club. John Riley, a longtime member of the previous club and owner of Bowling Green Fireplace and Grill , along with his wife, LouAnn, son David and wife Jenny, and daughter Rachel Martin and husband Michael, decided to purchase the property when the “country club” dissolved in 2019. Another longtime friend and member of the previous club, David Houk of Houk Insurance Agency in Horse Cave, spoke on when he received the news that the Riley family had purchased the golf course.
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John Riley addressed the crowd, and spoke to his family’s vision for Willow Oaks being a family-first facility, saying that the investment is one that has and will take time to build.
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Local attorney and former politician Bobby Richardson spoke to those in attendance on the importance of having a golf and country club in a community, saying in his experience, the amenity is a major factor in attracting new people to a community.
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Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse, Barren County Judge Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd, and Glasgow City Councilman Patrick Gaunce also thanked the Riley’s for their investment in the community.
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WCLU News spoke with co-owners David Riley and Rachel Martin about why they love having their families be involved at Willow Oaks. Their continued growth is focused on attracting younger members with children. As people with young families themselves, each upgrade has been with the future growth of the club in mind.
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Their father, John, also noted that the addition of golf instructor Brian Eaton has really enhanced the value of the membership.
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Riley said ultimately, though, his first call was to Doug Williams. Williams has been superintendent of the golf course since 1981. Williams has been an integral part of the success of Willow Oaks Golf Club and the continuation of competitive play on a private course in Barren County.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the club, go to their website: www.willowoaksgolf.com or call (270) 308-OAKS.
