Corbett resurrects former golf course, redesigns Chief

BELLAIRE – Local business owners Chris Corbett and his wife Merrie recently “bought The Farm,” but they’re doing just fine.

The couple currently own The Chief Golf Course/Pelican’s Nest and Bellaire Hardware in Bellaire, along with The Blue Pelican and Adams Madams – both in Central Lake.

Formerly The Farm Golf Course, Corbett bought the existing 152-acre property and equipment in May and has been working non-stop since that time to bring it up to top condition. The newly christened and upgraded Bellaire Centennial Golf Club officially opened last week.

“I basically bought it because it’s difficult to schedule golf packages with only one course,” Chris Corbett said, referring to The Chief, which he purchased seven years ago.

“But it’s been a lot of work,” he stated, “and needed a lot of work. Over the last seven weeks we’ve had a crew of eight handling the ground work, and others working on the restaurant.”

When all is said and done, Corbett said that they will have invested “quite a bit of money” to purchase necessary equipment and completely upgrade the course’s irrigation system.

But it was worth it in Corbett’s mind.

“Yes, it needed a lot of work,” he said, “but it’s one of the nicer courses around and it’s fun to play. I’m glad we could bring new life back to the property and restaurant. The nearby property owners are excited and customers seem excited as well. Many have said it looks the best that it has been in eight to 10 years.”

Assisting Corbett with getting the course back on track are Centennial Golf Superintendent Jeff Nabosny (formerly of Grandview G.C. and Cedar River), Director of Golf Michael Dean, and Chef Keith Verellen, who will split time at The Pelican’s Nest.

“The restaurant will have a limited menu compared to The Nest,” Corbett said, “but it will offer the basics, favorites and more, thanks to Keith. It will also work well to host events and league meals.”

Corbett said plans are in place to re-launch leagues every night at the Centennial.

“People really enjoy them,” he said, “and we are planning leagues for men, women and mixed groups. We also plan to keep prices reasonable for all golfers – essentially $20 for nine holes and $30-35 for 18. Memberships are available, along with joint memberships with The Chief.”

However, resurrecting the new Centennial Golf Club hasn’t been the only project on Corbett’s plate recently.

“We’ve also done some major work to The Chief,” he said.

That “work” has included: adding a new tent area for eating and events, rearranging the course, laying 35,000 square-feet of new sod, and adding a unique feature to The Nest’s kitchen.

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