LeBaron Hills: A hidden gem

            8 years ago, LeBaron Hills Country Club owner Frank Will was walking around his 170 acre property when he came upon a startling discovery. “I said to myself this place would make a nice golf course.” Just five short years later, his vision became a reality and the end result is a highly challenging, 6,803 yard championship golf course which is framed by high fescue grass and menacing hazards.

            Aside from golf, LeBaron Hills’ spacious yet quaint 45,000-square-foot clubhouse offers a 4,000-square-foot health club, a function facility capable of accommodating 250 people, a fully stocked pro shop, and an Olympic sized swimming pool.

            With such unparalleled amenities, LeBaron has played host to a multitude of charity tournaments for prestigious organizations such as the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Katie Brown Foundation and the Island of Hope charity of Children with cancer.

            LeBaron is once again playing the role of host this week as they welcome the Cleveland Golf Tour for what will hopefully be the first of many LeBaron Hills Open’s. “We’re excited to have it here,” said Will, who mentioned the Pro-am that preceded the actual event as one of the deciding factors in the agreement. “All of the feedback from the members has been positive.”

            Despite playing round one under cloudy and damp conditions, feedback from the players was also positive. “This is our best venue to the point,” said first round leader Todd Westfall. “It’s perfect,” added Jesse Fitzgerald, following his first round 74.

            In the hopes of increasing its current membership of 300, LeBaron Hills will break ground shortly on its latest project, The Residences, a 386 unit real estate development adjacent from the golf course. “We always knew we were going to do something across the street,” said Will, who hopes that 30% of the residents will also obtain memberships at the club as well.

            As LeBaron Hills continues to gain exposure and recognition for its facilities and services, Will is convinced that the masses will soon flock to this hidden beauty. “Once you get someone here, typically they will stay,” Will said confidently.

            For information about LeBaron Hills Country Club, visit www.lebaronhills.com. For information about the Residences, visit www.lebaronhomes.com.