Green Crest opened in 1972, but its story started long before that.   George and Delene Harter bought the original 79-acre farm in 1950 and  initially raised hogs and grew crops on the property. In 1969, Mitch and  Richard Harter shared an idea with their Dad that the family needed to  make a transition from farming into the golf business.

With zero expertise and simply a willing spirit, the journey  started.  It was then that they purchased more property to get Green  Crest to the 110 acres it is today, and embarked on the adventure of a  lifetime.  Investing everything they owned, securing a small loan, and  having very little to no equipment, they set out shaping and seeding a  golf course.

The first two years were long hours, hard work, and insanely  difficult.  In 1971, they seeded most of the course and as if God was  smiling on them, a light 3-day rain made the entire place turn perfectly  green.   Finally, they were able to open 9 holes!  Then they suffered  an unexpected blow when George got sick with cancer and passed away  shortly after being diagnosed.  Eventually, all 18 holes opened in 1972,  and the family business was finally open to public golfers.

Looking across its landscape today, it would be hard to imagine that  almost every tree on the course would eventually be planted by Mitch and  Richard.  Every building on the course was influenced by their hands,  the fireplace in our clubhouse built from the rock layer they found when  digging out the bottom of the lake on hole number 15.  Richard had  expertise in engineering and mechanical skills, and Mitch would become  the Head Superintendent and use his agronomy knowledge to continue to  improve the course conditions.

Both men would, in time, become excellent heavy equipment operators.   And, as business grew and they were able to purchase better  earth-moving equipment, the landscape of Green Crest would begin to  change.  Skid loaders and bulldozers would allow them to obtain more  water by digging bigger lakes, shape the course with mounds, and make  new teeing grounds.  Bunkering has been constantly added, and eventually  a better irrigation system was secured to allow for better playing  conditions.

As we celebrate 47 years of success in 2019, it is fun to look back  at their amazing journey.  As a third generation operator, it is my  aspiration to carry on their legacy, and leave my own impression on this  property for my children to enjoy as well as the many public golfers  who enjoy the course each year.  Thank you for choosing our golf course  to spend your time, we sincerely appreciate your continued support.

— Jason Harter,