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The Trails Golf Course, designed by Leon Howard, lays along the banks of the South Canadian River.

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The Trails

Under New Management, Golf Club Boasts Family-Friendly Atmosphere

The Trails Golf Club has always been the perfect place to pass an afternoon, but now that fun can be a shared family experience.

Eugene Bertman, his wife, Heather, and their two children, Joshua, 16, and Audrey,14, are all members of the Trails Golf Club—Eugene for six years. While other golf courses may frown on junior golfers, his family has found it to be a family-friendly place with an attentive staff that consistently go out of their way to meet or exceed their needs.

The Bertman family has been able to experience many different aspects of the club, from golf lessons and recreational golf to the youth program, Burger Night, and many other special events, including a knockout Fourth of July celebration and fall festival.

Eugene cherishes the memories created by these shared times at the golf course in Norman.

“I enjoyed watching the kids play in the Junior tournaments,” he shares. “Plus, it is nice to get away from everything in our little oasis of a golf course. Exercise is always a benefit, too. During the cooler months, I try and walk the course while we play.”

To learn more about The Trails and their unique family-friendly approach, I spoke with Alan Hager, P.G.A., manger and head golf professional at The Trails.

Can you share a brief history of the golf club?

The Trails Golf Club is a private golf club that opened in 1982. The club takes great pride in offering Norman and surrounding communities a family golf atmosphere and environment, with exceptional service to every member, every day. The Trails is a club where members can spend the day—on the golf course, at the pool, and enjoy great food in our grill or enjoy an evening on our deck with their families and fellow members watching the beautiful sunsets.

I understand the golf club changed directions slightly recently. Could you describe this change, and why it was made?  

In March of this year, Jim and Kathy Hess retired after 16 years at The Trails. At that time, the majority owners since 2003 Charlie and Darlene Bowline became the sole owners. As a part of the transition, I (who have served the club as head PGA golf pro for 14 years) was given the additional title of general manager. Additionally, Brittney Wheeler was hired in March as our membership and marketing director.

Besides the chance to play golf, what does membership in The Trails afford?

One of the major benefits of membership at The Trails is the convenience that a private club provides: the ability to play as much or as little golf as time allows, to dine, work remotely in our clubhouse or just hang out with members and friends. Members enjoy the opportunity to be involved in the Men’s Golf Association or the Trails Ladies Golf Association, Men’s and Ladies Interclub and couples’ golf. The Trails offers several golf programs for both experienced juniors and juniors who are just beginning to learn the game. Junior golfers can participate in summer golf clinics and after-school golf classes, as well as the PGA Jr. League. Throughout the year, The Trails hosts themed dinner nights and weekly happy hours, as well as a variety of seasonal activities.

Are family memberships popular?

 Family Memberships are very popular. We love seeing families enjoying time together on the course, at the pool, or eating together at The Trails Grill. The Trails recently expanded the Junior Executive membership category, and we have seen an increase in young families joining the club. It’s always a pleasure to see kids that grew up at The Trails return and join as adults with children of their own.

Do you offer complimentary visits to those considering joining?

Personalized private tours of the club and golf course are available to those who are interested in membership. Tours may be scheduled by calling Brittney in our membership office at 364.3790.

COVID is on everyone's mind these days. What are you doing to keep your staff and membership safe?

We operate everyday with the safety of our staff and members in mind. Our grill and the surrounding deck allow members to socially distance, whether they choose a table inside to watch football to a great lunch with a view of the golf course. Our members appreciate the comfortable setting we daily provide. At the present time, masks are required inside all buildings and we have multiple hand-sanitizing stations throughout the grill and the Golf Shop.

Who designed the golf course? Can you offer some details as to its design and challenges?

The Trails was designed by Leon Howard—an agronomist responsible for the design of the USGA green complexes, drainage, etc. The Trails lays along the banks of the South Canadian River. The course features a mix of large cottonwood, bald cypress, oak and pistache trees that line beautiful and lush Bermuda grass fairways. Our bentgrass greens provide members subtle undulation and are maintained at a very fun and playable speed for golfers of all levels to enjoy. The golf course is cared for by our Certified Golf Course superintendent Jeremiah Anderson and his turf grass team.

Are you offering any specials this fall/winter?

The Fall/Winter promotion is for half off the initiation fee on all golf memberships from Nov. 1 until Dec. 31. To learn more about the current specials, call Brittney at 364.3790.

Are memberships, golf classes, etc., available for Christmas giving?

 Memberships start for as low as $225 a month and are a gift the whole family will enjoy. With the 18-hole championship golf course, year-round junior golf programs, and a variety of social activities, there is something for everyone. Private golf lessons also make wonderful gifts and can be purchased individually or in a series of six.

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