Big Changes at the Old Course

The familiar green expanse of our longtime community course is being transformed under new leadership. Now rebranded as Little Mole Country Club, the course is entering a new era with a focus on family fun and plenty of activities for tourists.

New owners Robert Johnson, his wife Annette, and son-in-law and daughter Eddie and Ashley Manning took over the course on May 29. They’re making it a family affair with lots of plans for the future. Also pitching in were the Johnsons’ other son-in-law and daughter, Scott and Brittney Pepper, who updated the facility’s social media, as well as many friends and family who helped in the relaunch. Robert’s name is familiar around here, as he also owns Robert Johnson Roofing and Construction in Valley Head.

Robert has been playing for the past four years and is passionate about the game, though he didn’t see that coming.

“My son-in-law talked me into coming out here,” Robert says. “I had no intention of playing golf. I brought fishing poles to keep myself entertained. I caught up to them around the 17th hole and they put a driver in my hand. I swung at the ball eight times before I hit it. When I finally hit it, it went a mile, and I said, ‘Let me do that again.’ The rest is history. I got the bug and fell in love with this game.”

The family is eager to share their enthusiasm. The club is inviting golfers and guests alike to celebrate its relaunch on Saturday, July 26, with a day packed full of golf, prizes, and Southern-style hospitality. The event will center around a four-man scramble golf tournament, but the new owners have pulled together a range of festivities beyond the fairways — raffles, door prizes, and skill-based challenges such as Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin, with cash payouts for top shots.

Food is also part of the fun. Lunch is included with tournament entry and features crowd-pleasing options, such as pulled pork or chicken quarters, with classic sides — baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad, plus dessert and drinks. For those not swinging clubs but still wanting to get in on the celebration, lunch-only tickets are available for $12.

Beyond the grand opening festivities, Little Mole Country Club aims to offer a well-rounded experience for all who visit. The club features an 18-hole course, clubhouse, driving range, putting green, fishing pond, an onsite campground featuring 26 campsites that accommodate RVs, and four spots for motor coaches.

And get ready for Friday Night Lights — yes, that’s right — night golf! This fun event will feature glow-in-the-dark golf balls, lighted flagsticks and cart paths, and glow necklaces for the players. Future goals include a putt-putt course and a splashpad.

The course has drawn golfers to the peaceful surroundings for years, and now the community and visitors can enjoy a full recreational retreat for the whole family.

For more information, camping details, and tournament registration, visit www.lilmolerun.com. Email the facility at littlemolecc@gmail.com.