By Ken Love
For the Mirror
New faces will greet golfers this year at Eagles Ridge Golf Course near Curwensville.
Recently hired general manager James Skinner is part of a new ownership group that purchased the club in mid-March with plans to make steady improvements to both the course an its facilities.
"I'm excited to be here," Skinner said. "We began refurbishing the clubhouse and restaurant as soon as I arrived and everything is starting to fall into place."
The 52-year-old Skinner has been involved in the golf industry for the better part of three decades. A native of Casper, Wyoming, Skinner began his career working at golf courses in Nevada and California before settling down in Oregon as the superintendent for Harbor Links Golf Course in Klamath Falls.
After nearly 20 years at Harbor Links, Skinner was ready for a change. So when the chance to join a new ownership group that would purchase Eagles Ridge, Skinner jumped at the opportunity.
"My wife and I packed most of our belongings in a U-Haul truck and drove across the country to get here," Skinner said. "It was a leap of faith, and we're glad to be here."
Skinner's new responsibilities involve overseeing all operations at Eagles Ridge, a golf club with a unique history.
The course was originally designed by architect James Harrison in the mid-1970s. It eventually opened in 1978 as the Grandview Golf Course, owned by the Spencer family, which won awards for the reclamation of land formerly used for strip-mining.
About a decade ago, another local family -- the Flemings -- purchased the club and operated it until this spring.
With Skinner now at the helm, several changes are already in the works.
The club's pro shop has been re-modeled and is being run by Skinner's son Dayton. Teresa Skinner, James' wife, is also involved in the day-to-day operations and will be in charge of the club's sales and marketing.
One of biggest accomplishments this year at Eagles Ridge has been the renovation and reopening of the club's restaurant, "The Grandview 19th Hole" -- a tribute to the club's original name.
Other work scheduled to be completed this year includes improving the cart paths, golf carts and renovating the sand traps.
Local golfers who frequent the course are excited about the changes. One of these is long-time member Dick Snyder of Coalport.
"I've been impressed with what they've accomplished so quickly," Snyder said. "James Skinner, his wife and son have made so many improvements to the club in such a short time, and each one of them go out of their way to be so helpful."
As the golf season swings into act full action in central Pennsylvania, Skinner is optimistic about the future of Eagles Ridge.
"This area is absolutely beautiful," Skinner said. "We've had plenty of rain so far, and our course is in good shape. We're continuing to make steady improvements to make this place even better as the year goes on."