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Binder Park opened in 1959 as one of Southwest Michigan's first 18-hole
public golf courses. Located in the far Southeast corner of the City of Battle
Creek, the golf course was built on a six hundred acre parcel of property donated
by the Charles Binder family in the early 1950's. The Binder family owned a
propering hardware business in Battle Creek and had long been advocates for the
local parks and outsdoor recreation programs. Arch Flannery, long time Recreation
Director for the City of Battle Creek, had a vision of constructing an eighteen
hole golf course that would encourage local participation in the sport by citizens.
Binder Park, containing some of Michigan's most pristine old growth forest,
wetlands, scenic bluffs and changing land formations left behind by glacial ice
deposits, has prospered almost from day one. With it's beautiful oak trees, many
wetlands and dramatic changes in elevations, Binder Park quickly became known as
one of the most extraordinarily public golf courses in Southern Michigan. For four
decades Binder Park has provided participants a scenic walk with nature, while
challenging the skills of even the accomplished player.
In 1999 Binder Park Golf Course was expanded to 27 holes. The new additions have further enhanced the
course's reputation for providing a challenging golf experience while connecting
golfers of all ages and abilities to nature. The new golf facilities also include
a teaching center with state-of-the-art driving range, 3-hole practice course ,
separate practice putting, chipping, and sand trap areas, and an indoor golf
training center. In 2002 the First Tee of Michigan (needs to be a hot button)
and their affiliates with the PGA, LPGA, August National, USGA, etc., became a
sponsor. The First Tee now manages youth development programs at Binder Park,
introducing and involving hundreds of youth and families in the game of golf each
year.
In 2002 Mr. Ron Osborne, Class "A" PGA Professional was added to the staff
and is responsible for managing all aspects of golf operation at Binder Park.
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