Page 154 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2019

SPORTS & OUTDOORS coast golf update
TEE-OFF
wi Tommy
STONE COUNTY’S NEW PINE BURR
story by Tommy Snell photos courtesy of Reuben Wedgeworth
Affectionately known to some as Little Augusta because of its undulating greens and elevation changes,
Pine Burr has always been a favorite of Coast golfers. With
a extensively
renovated
clubhouse and
a revitalized golf
course, Pine Burr
Country Club just off Hwy 49 in Wiggins will again welcome linksters to a section of South Mississippi that is “Ready for Recreation.”
Brent Hickman and his family saw
an opportunity
to buy some
land with
timber on it,
but after taking
a closer look at
the beautiful golf
course and property,
he wanted to “make this
thing work.” The owner of Brent
Hickman Logging LLC quipped, “We bought a piece of property that just happened to have a golf course on
it. We see it as being a big asset to
Wiggins and the county; we want to see Wiggins grow. The golf course offers quality of life for everyone
around.”
Not knowing much about golf,
Hickman knew he needed to hire someone who could restore the course and
manage the property. Reuben Wedgeworth
could do both.
Most golfers
know Reuben from
Timberton Golf Course in Hattiesburg where he kept the course
in perfect condition for 12 years. After a 4-year
stint at Agri-AFC where he helped golf course superintendents grow
grass and kill weeds, Wedgeworth could not
turn down Hickman’s offer. “Our biggest challenge has been the irrigation, but we have
tackled that and the course looks
fantastic,” said Wedgeworth. After a tour of the course, everyone will agree. “The new building will be perfect for weddings, anniversaries, and business meetings,” he added.
With a soft opening last month, Pine Burr has already welcomed 42 new members and will offer corporate and out-of-town rates beginning in October when the grand opening
is scheduled. The course partly designed by the famous architect
Earl Stone will be open seven days
a week. “We want to create a family atmosphere with plans for playground areas and fishing for members only,” Wedgeworth said. “The course offers memberships with or without cart included and the opportunity for those who live on or near the course to own a private cart.
Longterm plans include cabins
that face the lake on several holes. Complete with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, the clubhouse that once was a square dance hall now offers a prep kitchen, a tournament room and a bridal suite. These amenities will help Hickman and Pine Burr become just what he wants, “a blessing to the community.”
154 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net