The Henderson Country Club in Henderson, Ky., has a new owner and he’s likely a familiar figure to staff and residents. After all, Charles Morris is a member.
One of the biggest poultry producers in the state, Morris bought the 18-hole, 142-acre course at the end of September.
Morris is aware that the club needs improvement. In an interview with The Gleaner, a Henderson-based newspaper, he outlined a vision for upgrading course facilities and services, as well as making continued improvements to the golf course and rebuilding the club as a social venue.
“He’s in a position to make some improvements to the club that we as a club would struggle to do,” Eric Williams, president of the club’s board of directors, told the newspaper. “So it’s all going to work out.”
“They (club officials) had several meetings,” Morris said, and on July 26 club stockholders voted unanimously to sell the golf course to him.
Morris said never expected the vote to be unanimous, but all 62 stockholders voted in unison.
“That meant a lot,” he said.
A deed recorded at the Henderson County Courthouse indicated that Morris Enterprises LLC paid the country club just over $1 million for four parcels of real estate. But Morris said he has also agreed to make a “considerable investment” to enhance the property and operation, The Gleaner reported.
Morris said he also intends to remodel the bar and grill and the banquet room as well as refurbish the tennis courts and build a fitness center. The course also has two swimming pools.
Morris said his goal is to build the club to 300 golfing memberships; up from the 75 current members.
“This is finishing my 10th season, and this is the most exciting day I’ve had here,” club pro Brant Williams told the newspaper. “I’ve been talking to Charles and hearing his vision for what the club could be. This is very promising for the club.”
Morris is also keeping the existing staff at the club.
And while ownership changes from an association into private hands, he said the facility’s name won’t change.
“We’re leaving the name ‘Henderson Country Club,’” Morris said. “I thought, it’s been around since 1899; it would be a disservice to change the name.”