By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Paris Landing State Park Golf Course–also known as the Tennessee Golf Trail–was celebrated on its 50th anniversary today in a big way.
A Henry County government proclamation honoring the course and its Manager Keith Hickman was read by County Commissioner Monte Starks, and Tennessee Commissioner of Environment and Conservation David Salyers and State Parks Director of Hospitality Shannon Bowles recognized Hickman and his team. Former State Rep. Don Ridgeway thanked Hickman and his staff for all they have done to support Henry County.
Hickman has worked at the course for 35 1/2 years and said he was honored by the accolades, but said the honors should be shared with the entire team who have worked to make the course what it is today.
The course opened in June 1972 and was the first Tennessee state owned golf course to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary in 2004.
The golf course offered rounds of golf at 50 percent off and provided a lunch spread for everyone Tuesday in celebration of the anniversary.
Several state officials who attended Monday’s ribbon-cutting at The Lodge at Paris Landing spent the night at the Lodge and golfed Tuesday morning at the golf course.
Salyers said in his remarks, “I just want everyone to know that this 50-year-old course kicked my tail.” Salyers praised the golf course, noting, “the greens are great, the views are spectacular. Since I’m from west Tennessee, I’ve golfed here before, but this is the first time since I’ve been Commissioner. It just feels great here.”
Bowles said, “We wanted to recognize this team that has done such a great job of taking care of this course and have put their heart and soul into it. We’re excited to be here and very happy to help you celebrate your 50th.”
Starks read the county proclamation, which outlined the golf course’s history and significance to Henry County.
Hickman recognized the state officials and general managers who helped create the golf course, noting that he started there the day after President’s Day in 1987.
He outlined the changes in the course over the years, including the transition from a bent grass green to the Champion Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass in 2016, which has been a huge success for the course.
Hickman estimated conservatively that in its 50 years of operation, the golf course has seen a half-million golfers and generated from $12-$15 M in revenue.
He pointed to areas of interest on the course itself: that the former little community of Dulac and its general store had been located on the 300-acre site; the former Austin-Peay highway once traveled through it; Hole 12 was a former tannery; there are unmarked graves on the course; and you can still see old home sites there. “There’s a lot of history here,” Hickman said.
Hickman and the state officials all especially recognized Hole #4, which they said is the most photographed hole on any golf course in Tennessee because of its spectacular view of Kentucky Lake.
The facility includes driving range, practice green, carts, snack bar, club rental and Golf Pro Hickman provides lessons in the afternoons. Dwayne Hickman is the golf course groundskeeper.
The golf course has been an 18-hole golf course from its inception in May of 1972 and “has changed very little over the years, except the volume of golfers who come here has increased significantly over the years,” Hickman said.
Hickman said, “We have an amazing staff and we have employees who have been here for a lifetime.”
Photo: At left, County Commissioner Monte Starks presents the county proclamation to Keith Hickman. Photo by Shannon McFarlin.