Bosque Valley Golf Club celebrates organization’s new life at fundraiser

Bosque Valley Golf Club celebrates organization’s new life at fundraiser News Staff Wed, 05/01/2024 - 06:35 Image

• Members of Meridian’s Not So Jazz Band - Jazz Band assisted with serving the catfish buffet during the Bosque Valley Golf Club’s semi-annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, at the Meridian Civic Center in Meridian. Nathan Diebenow | The Clifton Record

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The Bosque Valley Golf Club celebrated another year with a growing, active membership during its semi-annual fundraiser at the Meridian Civic Center on Saturday, April 27.

While the funds raised during the live and silent auctions will go toward new grounds equipment, the true intention of the members and their families at the party was to ensure the club’s longevity well into the future.

In the mid-to-late 2010s, the club had experienced such a low membership that the board of directors almost shut down its operations for lack of cash flow.

But as silver-linings go, the global pandemic breathed new life into the club as younger players sought respite in its ninehole golf course outside Meridian.

In addition, a series of fundraisers lifted the spirits of the membership and club’s reserves such that the organization is currently in the black.

Today the club’s membership count is around 130 active members – up from 65 total members since 2020.

During the 2024 spring fundraiser, the B&B Band – Larry Davis and Mark McMahon – performed live music featuring classic, modern, and selfpenned tunes on stage.

Delicious fried catfish was cooked by Durwood Koonsman and the Catfish Kings. Additional assistance in the serving line was provided by members of Meridian’s Not So Jazz Band – Jazz Band.

Earlier in the day, the scheduled 4-person golf scramble was canceled due to heavy winds and the threat of lightning and rain.

After the meal, longtime golf club member and former director Todd Clift led the live auction with his crew that included his son Talon.

Among the items up for auction included trips to Ruidoso, Pagosa Springs, and Rockport; a chest freezer, artwork by George Hallmark and Martin Grelle, a pizza party, cakes made by local bakers, and fishing trips.

“The crowd was wonderful! Thanks to everyone, who helped make this a Great night for Bosque Valley Golf Club!” Cole Word, longtime Bosque Valley Golf Club member and former Bosque County Judge, said.

The club’s board members include Tony Alverado, Jim Canuetson, Rubin Felan, and Cole Word.

The club’s nine-hole golf course is currently located midway between Meridian and Clifton on FM 1991.

The club formed in the early 1970s when the Word brothers attempted to form a golf course at Meridian State Park.

Due to legal push back from environmentalists protecting the endangered Golden Checked Warbler, the club and its course found a home at its current location.

In honor of the famed bird, a street at the course is named after it.

For more information on the course, contact groundsman Harvie Welch at (254) 435-2692 or (254) 495-0225.