CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. — Carroll Lake Golf Club has a new owner, and he has big plans for one of Carroll County’s most beloved recreational landmarks.
Josh Hicks, owner of J Hicks Appliances in Huntingdon, closed on the purchase of the 18-hole public course on Friday, July 31, just about a year after picking up the game of golf himself.
“I just got the bug,” Hicks said. “I just love it.”
What started as a passion for the game quickly turned into something bigger.
Hicks said he was out on the course one morning when a chance conversation led him to discover the property was for sale. He approached then-owner Jerry Stanley, and after several rounds of negotiation, the two made a deal.
“My main goal is just to make it something where the community can be proud of it again,” he said.
Improvements are already underway.
Hicks said he has had workers on site for the past six weeks handling maintenance and cleanup.
He has also purchased 10 new golf carts and new equipment to help get the course back into shape.
“Sand will be returning to the bunkers,” Hicks noted.
The clubhouse is also slated for a facelift, with a light remodel planned in the near future.
Hicks said the response from the local golf community has been overwhelming.
“It’s been really humbling to see how much people actually care about this golf course,” he said.
Hicks also noted that local school golf programs is a priority.
“Those are our future golfers,” Hicks said. “Anything I can do to improve it — it’s kind of the goal — just make it something the community can be proud of.”
Visible changes to the course are expected throughout the fall as work continues.
Hicks also has a special helper he’s looking forward to having on the course.
His daughter Jessie is already looking forward to the day she can set up a lemonade stand at the turn and greet golfers coming through.
“She is looking forward to meeting the golfers,” He said.
Carroll Lake Golf Club is located at 1305 Carroll Lake Road in McKenzie.
Hicks said there will be no breaks in service, that the course remains open for business as usual.
For tee times, call (731) 352-5998.