Highland Springs Golf Course has new owner
Meet the new boss at Highland Springs Golf Course. He’s the son of the old boss of Highland Springs Golf Course, located off Route 844 near the West Virginia state line.
Marshall Hone, whose father ran Highland Springs with Vaughn Hone Sr., since the two purchased the Wellsburg, W.Va., course in 2006, oversaw a complete makeover of the course, which stretches 5,853 yards over rolling hills to complete its par-72 layout.
Marshall Hone was named owner of Red Oaks Golf Course, a cozy 18-hole course in Bloomingdale, Ohio, after graduating from Marshall University nearly a decade ago but now finds himself at the helm of Highland Springs.
“I’m running this course full time now,” said Marshall Hone. “I just had my first child, a little girl who is as vocal as can be. I’m very excited. My grandfather and father bought this place and made it a nice place to come and golf.”
Designed by James Harrison ASGCA, Highland Springs Golf Course opened in 1961. Under its current condition, it has a course rating of 72.4 and a slope rating of 118. Those numbers mean it’s challenging but not overwhelming for a public course.
One great quirk to the course: a golfer can tee off on No. 10 in West Virginia and putt out on the green in Pennsylvania.
“I played golf in college and when I got out, I ran the other course for 10 years,” said Marshall Hone. “I’ve always wanted to help my father out and run golf courses.”
Red Oaks is about a 45-minute drive, one way, to Highland Springs. The 6,062-yard public course has a par 72, 74 for women.
In 1996, the nine-hole country club was purchased by Vaughn and Mark Hone. Architect Barry Serafin designed the back nine.
“Honestly, I was excited not to have to run two golf courses,” Marshall Hone said.
Marshall Hone is a 2010 graduate of Wheeling Park High School and a 2014 graduate of Marshall University.
Interestingly, Marshall Hone only plays on the rare occasion because the golf course duties and family life take up most of his time. Recently, more responsibilities have fallen on Marshall Hone’s shoulders. He became the head golf coach at Brooke High School in Wellsburg.
The 30-year-old has two holes-in-one.
“I got lucky twice,” Marshall Hone chuckled.
Marshall Hone plans a few changes at Highland Springs.
“I want to make it a little bit shorter,” he said. “It’s a longer course. That will make it easier for seniors.”
A round of 18 holes and a cart costs $25 during the week and $32 on weekends, which makes Highland Springs one of the most economical courses in the area.
Season passes are available. Purchase one by Jan. 31 and get a single for $725 or a couple for $875. Rates are subject to change.
“Off the top of my head, I’d say we get 15,000 to 16,000 rounds a year.” Marshall Hone said. “I’d love to get that number up.”