La Porte County retained its rich historical essence at the Beechwood Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation Dedication on August 15. The course was originally built in 1931, and soon after, the Clubhouse was added in 1950. The demand for a new and improved Clubhouse was tossed about for years, and Kyle Cashmer, present head Golf Professional at Beechwood, made sure it was going to happen during his administration.
“I cannot tell you how proud I am to see all the improvements here in such a short time,” Cashmer said. “This wasn’t just one quick decision, however. We are very thankful for the amount of teamwork given from the city, start to finish. We are extremely happy with the result.”
The renovation included handicap accessible bathrooms, new air conditioning and heating systems, a fresh, pitched metal roof, and cosmetic upgrades such as updated flooring and lighting.
“We are so thankful for Mayor Krentz sticking with us and completely supporting the project; that leadership from the top down is needed,” Cashmer said.
Mayor Mark Krentz was delighted to be a part of the special day and the renovation process, as it literally hits close to his childhood home.
“It’s an honor to be here to celebrate the dedication of the renovation of the Beechwood Club House,” Krentz said. “Not only is it a gem of the city, it was once my backyard when I grew up. Mom and Dad built their home on Hillside court, and my backyard was the 16th fairway.”
Larson-Danielson Construction took on and conquered the Clubhouse renovation.
Tim Larson, President at Larson-Danielson, spoke about the importance and urgency of the renovation.
“I’ve golfed here ever since I was a little kid,” Larson said. “The Clubhouse was in pretty bad shape; they had to renovate it to save it from falling down someday. It was built in 1950, almost 70 years ago, so it was time.”
Larson spoke about the relevance of maintaining facilities such as these.
“Beechwood is a great asset to LaPorte-- it gives people something to do and the opportunity to maintain a vibrant healthy lifestyle,” Larson said. “We need to maintain facilities like these to keep the people in the community active.”
Ron Caddo, a veteran Beechwood Golf Club member, celebrated with his long-time golf companions at the dedication.
“I love this golf course, and it [the renovation] has been needed for a while,” Caddo said. “I’ve always supported this golf course, and Kyle Cashmer, who runs this place really well.”
The renovation of the Beechwood Golf Course Clubhouse serves to show the community that the restoration of the old can invite the possibility of the future. Visit Beechwood Golf Course to check out the new renovations and put a hole or two!
