Miniature golf course restored at veterans home

Published 11:00 am Saturday, May 9, 2015

The Georgia War Veterans Home has been in Milledgeville for a long time — so long, in fact, that many people may not know it once had a miniature golf course.

The course is still there, but the putting range has damaged by age and nature, making it unplayable.

“My dad entered the veterans home on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Kay Collins, the daughter of a resident. “When we were looking at the grounds from the fourth floor, we looked down and could see a putt-putt course. Dad has always been a golfer, but we saw it was in bad condition.”

Collins decided she wanted to do something for her father and the other veterans in the home, so she started asking about the miniature golf course.

“I called Wanda Blackwell (GWVH recreational services director), and she said they’ve wanted to redo it for years but haven’t had the funds,” Collins said. “I’ve got contacts in real estate and lots of friends in my church, so I decided I could do it as a community service project.”

Collins took an estimate of what the course needed — new paint, new turf, balls and putters — and got to work.

“I called a company in Calhoun, Jane Farrell Turf and Carpet, and told them what I was trying to do. They said they were more than happy to provide the turf along with the glue all for free,” Collins said. “It’s a $9,000 gift from the company. The president and vice president were so wonderful to do it.”

Collins called Bob Harrison, a carpet installer who is able to install artificial putting green, and got a quote on the work estimate. She also got quotes for the re-painting that needed to be done.

Collins said many businesses and organizations chipped in to supply all the cash needed for the entire project.

“It’s like the whole project has fallen into place so easily,” Collins said. “As soon as veterans are mentioned, it’s like everyone goes out of their way to help. I know it’s a God gift because the doors have been laid open so easily.”

Students from Georgia Military College were more than happy to put in some volunteer time on the project.

“I called GMC, and they said to just tell them what I needed. I said I need some labor and what day, so I told them,” Collins said. “The students showed up, and within 30 minutes, they had all the old turf removed.”

Collins said Andy Schultz donated all of the putters and golf balls needed, and Schultz’s brother, Matt Schultz, works for a sign company and is making a leader board so the veterans can have tournaments.

“It’s been a wonderful thing that’s come together very quickly,” Collins said of the project. “It’s been a joy that’s been so rewarding.”

Collins said she hopes the miniature golf course will be completed by the end of May. Once completed, the golf course can last for a decade or more with minimal upkeep required.