Today we’d like to introduce you to Phyllis Stedman.
Phyllis, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My father and his brother bought some land back in the 50’s from FFA money they earned. Later when they both were married they decided to split the property, Charles his brother living on one side and Dad just leaving the other side as a pasture. After living overseas for 15 years my parents settled back in Houston. Finally living back in the States my father decided to put in a turf farm, and raised catfish in the irrigation pond on his 15 acres here in Brazoria.
After so many years of selling sod, you have to come back in and resurface the land with soil otherwise you have nothing but clay. Someone suggested that the 15 acres would make a great driving range! Dad being an avid golfer himself knew that was an awesome idea, and getting near his retirement. My parents got a loan for lights and bought a trailer for an office and opened a driving range in 1995! Running it and living in Houston was hard, so they decided to move down here permanently. Another 30 acres became available adjacent to the driving range and Dad thought what a great place to put in 9 holes! Again, back to the bank and they got a loan. Ground was broken on December 26th, 1998 and we opened the lighted golf course in October 1999.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s a golf course!! Weather is the biggest factor in running a golf course. You are at Mother Nature’s mercy! Texas heat in the Summer can be hard, but playing under the lights in the evenings makes it so much more enjoyable!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the West Brazos Golf Center story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a 9 hole Lighted gold course. Not many lighted golf courses in the state of Texas, much less across the Country! We are family owned and operated. We have one employee that is not family, otherwise we …My Father, My Mother, My Sister & her Husband & myself all run the business. My father is 84 and still works everyday, he will mow the greens daily, pick up range balls when needed and also runs the club house 2-3 nights a week! Jack my brother in law does all the other mowing and maintenance, my sister and myself run the pro shop and my Mother does all the accounting. We have been in business for 18 years. We are a non taxed funded facility (meaning we do not receive city, county or state tax dollars to fund us if we have a short fall in revenue) and rely solely on our customers to support our business. We pride ourselves on friendly customer service and a family atmosphere!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would say we are very lucky! My Father is 84 and my Mother is 79, married 60 years and in good health. My dad worked hard for years to earn what he has, and with my mother’s support they endured many hard roads to get where they are today! My sister & her husband built a house next door to my parents’ house. We both see our parents daily, eat lunch with them as much as we can, spend all our holidays together and for that we are very lucky! My parents have three grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. We are also lucky because we have great customers that support us! Yes, I would say we are lucky!
Pricing:
- 18 Holes with a cart is $21.00 Monday – Thursday. Playing under the lights is $5.00 more
- 18 Holes with a cart is $23.00 Friday – Sunday, Playing under the lights is $5.00 more
- We Open at 7:00 am and close according to the amount of play we have in the evenings. Tee times required after 6:00 pm
- Driving Range Buckets: Large $7.00 (90 hits) Medium $6.00 (60 hits) and a small for $4.00 (30 hits)
Contact Info:
- Address: 4199 County Road 507
- Website: www.westbrazosgolfcenter.com
- Phone: 9797984653
- Email: westbrazosgolfcenter@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestBrazosGolfCenter
- Twitter: westbrazosgolf
Image Credit:
Thursday Ranch, LLC – Drone Night Shot
Engeline Tan – Night Shot
Phyllis Stedman
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