Welcome To Bellbrook, Ohio
There’s a fun; private country club tucked away in Bellbrook, Ohio, that golfers in the area should know about. The course is challenging, and the staff is kind, considerate, and willing to help at a moment’s notice. It’s a course I would consider joining if I lived in the area.
When founded in 1968, Sugar Valley Golf Club was a semi-private golf course. The Club was built by Carl M. Foreman and a group of investors. The group hired Geoffrey S. Cornish, a course architect better known for courses he had designed in the New England states and layouts he had remodeled throughout North America and Europe.
In the 1980s, the golf course underwent a significant renovation at the hands of legendary Ohio golf course architect Jack Kidwell and his partner and protégé, Mike Hurdzan.
Although Mr. Foreman brought in various business partners during the first few years to help keep the club afloat, in 1977, he and Jim Keyes, the current owner, became business partners and bought out the original investors. Foreman and his family remained the primary owners until 2010. Later that year, the entire property was sold to Jim Keyes, James Powell, and Gary L. Wright, who formed Sugar Valley Partners, LLC, and the name was changed to Sugar Valley Golf Club. The three new partners made significant investments in the golf course and facility. In 2012, a set of senior tees were installed, and they were on their way to taking the club to the next level.
A Tragic Fire
In July 2014, tragedy struck as fire destroyed the clubhouse. This followed an earlier fire in May that destroyed the cart barn and all its contents, including members’ golf clubs and an entire fleet of golf carts. With two fires nine weeks apart, no one could have faulted ownership if they wanted to get out of the business. After all, golf courses aren’t as profitable as they once were!
A Rebirth
Jim Keyes didn’t wait until the embers stopped smoldering before announcing rebuilding plans. The next day he had 50 carts at the course and ready to go. In 2018, Sugar Valley Golf Club opened a new two-story, 17,000 square-foot Clubhouse home to the Pro Shop, two simulator bays, a fitness room, member dining room and bar, a huge banquet, and special events area that can serve 300+ people.
The simulators have proven to be a big hit, especially in the winter months. Members can buy monthly memberships or rent a bay by the hour and practice or play rounds of golf on some of the world’s most popular courses, no matter what the weather is like outside.
Since the sale of the course in 2010, membership at Sugar Valley has grown significantly. Yet, they still hold to their original mission of being available one day a week for corporate and charitable golf outings. They are also one of the Dayton area’s premier event locations.
The club has hosted many fantastic events over the years, including the American Junior Golf Association, the SOPGA Section Senior Championship, and the Miami Valley Golf Association MET, Senior Metropolitan & Mid-Amateur Championships. Keeping up with its mission statement, they are also home to many charitable golf outings and events.
The Golf Course
For many, the main attraction at Sugar Valley is the golf course. The length and difficulty at Sugar Valley will certainly not overwhelm many golfers at 6,467 yards from the back (Black) tees, a course rating of 70.5, and a slope of 126. Players new to the sport will find the course manageable with wide-open fairways and large, receptive greens. Well-establish players will discover that hazards such as sand bunkers have been strategically placed and ready to snag errant shots. Four sets of tees provide suitable yardage for any level of golfer. Choose the tees that best suit your game, and you will surely have an enjoyable round.
At Sugar Valley Golf Club, it’s more a case of knowing where to hit the ball on any given shot to avoid trouble and leave yourself the best angle into the green. Brains over brawn. One of the biggest things Sugar Valley has going for is the elevation changes you’ll encounter as you make your way around, starting on the first hole with an approach shot to the par-5 green that plays uphill. Your round ends with a tee shot from one of the highest points on the course down to a wide fairway. It’s a Kodak moment! The first three holes (par 5, par 4, and par 3) give you a good sense of what you’re in for regarding elevation changes. Even with the variations in height, many players choose to walk the course.
Several of the five par three holes are long: three measure near or over 200 yards from the Black tees. All par-3 greens are fronted by at least one bunker and are best approached through the air. The 174-yard, 17th hole is the only hole where water comes into play, and it really shouldn’t because it’s hardly visible from the Gold Tees.
If I were naming holes, the par 5, 7th hole would be called “Choose Wisely.” The hole is dead straight from the Gold Tees and plays 563 yards. There is a giant tree in the middle of the fairway off the tee, so you must decide if you will play left or right. Trees line both sides of the fairway, about 275 yards to the big tree. Once you maneuver your way past the tree, it’s clear sailing with no hazards – other than trees on either side – between you and the green. Hit it straight, make a putt, and you can tame this monster hole!
Number 11 is one of the more exciting holes in the layout. It’s a 505-yard par 5 with a sharp dogleg left. Longball hitters will have a chance to cut the dogleg and possibly get on in two. The rest of us should plan on playing a layup shot right of the fairway bunker, leaving a short pitch shot into a green fronted by bunkers on either side.
For me, Number 18 is the signature hole on the golf course. It’s a par four that plays 433 yards from the Gold Tees (I’ve played shorter par 5s). You play your tee shot downhill from an elevated tee box with a fairway bunker on the right side. A good drive will still leave a long iron or hybrid into a large green with a bunker front right and trees on the left. Par is a great way to end your round.
Getting Better
Across the street from the clubhouse is a full-length driving range where you can warm up before your round or hit balls all day trying to eliminate bad habits. If you’re having trouble fixing those bad habits on your own, PGA Head Golf Professional Doug Wade is an accomplished teacher and has logged countless hours of instruction over his career. Whether new to the game or looking to take your play to a new level, Doug can help you maximize your potential. The Sugar Valley website has some of Doug’s video pointers under the Lessons Tab.
Hosting Events
Its Mission Statement mentions that Sugar Valley is big on hosting events. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you plan your next outing and take care of everything, from helping you with the organization and planning to hand out trophies after the event. Their large patio makes for a great outdoor venue, and they can handle events with up to 300 people. The club also offers a full catering menu to meet all your dining needs.
The Club has several options for hosting events, including an intimate gathering in the Pavilion or large wedding reception in the new Banquet Room. Sugar Valley’s new clubhouse offers indoor and outdoor settings, and its culinary staff can customize any menu. Their thoughtful attention to detail will make for a memorable event.
If you’re new to the area or love golf and want to get some good exercise and meet new friends, check out Spring Valley Golf Club. For more information, visit their website at www.sugarvalleygc.com.