While Kosciusko County is known for its lakes, it could also be argued as one of the best places in Indiana to find a quality golf course.

Rozella Ford Golf Course serves as a perfect example of that.

This year, Rozella will have the distinction of hosting the Indiana State Public Links Tournament June 9-10.

And Club professional Bo Wright is certain the course will be ready to provide an excellent tournament experience for both players and spectators.

"They've done an excellent job on getting the course ready," said Wright of his greens crew. "The greens are always a bit tougher here although the course isn't really as long as others."

Wirght is a Champaign, Ill native who attended and golfed at Illinois State University. He was the pro at the Country Club of Decatur in Illinois for five years before moving to Lake Carroll Golf Course in the Chicagoland area.

Wright's decision to move to Rozella was an easy one.

"The job was open. It looked like a pretty good one. It seemed like a nice course and the area is really nice so I decided to make the move."

Rozella also serves as the home course for the Triton High School boys and girls golf teams.

The course has recently been upgraded with brick and stone bridges and more family-oriented activites.

Rozella currently has a solid summer junior golf program and has seen an increase in both memberships and play since 2003 when Wright said business "bottomed out".

With so many golf courses competing against each other, Wright and his assistant Seth Ray had to figure out a way to get people to think about Rozella.

Rozella is one of nine golf courses located in Kosciusko County and can be compared to such courses as South Shore and Maxwelton.

One thing that helped the course was the opening of Bogey's, the restaurant/bar adjacent to the course which provides casual and fine dinning for members and non-members alike.

Rozella also can accomadate small and large banquets.

As Rozella celebrated its 45th anniversary last year, things begin to turn around as the course continued to increase its membership base.

Wright was recently named the 2006 Merchandiser of the Year by the Indiana PGA. The distinction is given to just one public course a year.

Club pros are nomiated by their peers and a committe votes on who's most deserving. The criteria includes the setup of the golf shop, sales numbers compared to the square footage of the shop, the general appeal of the shop and selection of different makes and models.

As a course, Rozella is a par 70, 6035-yard course.

The course was designed by Bill Didell in the early 1960s and was designed with undulating greens as its focal point.

Rozella has two par 5s, 12 par 4s and four par 3s.

"It's a challenging course for people of all skill levels," said Wright. "You can't get a quality golf course at the prices we offer."

For more information on memberships or outings visit www.rozellaford.com. Information concerning membership rates and benefits can also be found on the website.

To reach the clubhouse call 574-269-9582. [[In-content Ad]]