The Turkey Open Golf Outing took place Nov. 12 at the Forrest Creason Golf Course. According to Kurt Thomas, director of the golf course, this event is the last at the University’s golf course, as the course will stop operating in a few weeks.

To give a brief history of the University’s golf course, it first opened June 7, 1965. A few years after its construction, the golf course was expanded from nine holes to 18 holes to promote the sport at the University.

The course got its current name — the Forrest Creason Golf Course — from the acclaimed golf coach and professor, Forrest Creason. The University decided to put this name-change into effect to honor Mr. Creason’s service after he retired.

Kurt Thomas said 12 to 14 teams usually participate in the Turkey Open; this year, they had a full 14 teams participate.

“We’ve had good turn-out over the years. It’s just kind of a fun event.”

Thomas said the event takes the form of cross country golf, meaning the players each receive a map that scatters them throughout the course. He said the players could go from hole 1 to 5 or 3, so it gives them a new perspective of the course. Because the event is in this form, they have to limit the number of teams to 14.

Thomas said the event has one prize for the team that comes in first place — a frozen turkey. Then, they raffle off a few other turkeys so everyone has a chance to win one.

Overall, the mood on the course was high in spirits despite the cold but there was also some somberness due to the course’s numbered days.

Patricia Peters, one of the participants, said this was her first time in the event. She said her daughter, who is a sophomore at the University, told her to come out.

“We’re very sad that President Mazey has decided to close the course,” Peters said.

Josh Brown, who was on the same team as Peters, said he had played the course for many years.

“I’m hoping someone else might buy the land and reopen it as a golf course, I hate to see it turned into a parking lot.”

John Harvey, another participant, is a veteran of the course. He said he has participated in every Turkey Open but one. Harvey was on a team with his daughter, son-in-law and son for the event. Among the three of them, they have 54 holes this year alone.

“We’re not here to win, we’re just here for a really good time, and we do have a good time.”

Harvey said he’s very sad to see the course go, and that it’s been a great place to congregate and make friends. He’s been playing on the course since 1990.

“You just have to assume they know what they’re doing. Nothing stays the same,” Harvey said.

Merl Trumbull is another veteran of the course, who has played in every Turkey Open. He said, since his retirement, the course has been like a second home.

“It’s a shame. it’s a beautiful course. I wish they’d rethink it. I hate to see it close.”

Trumbull said he will likely have to give up golf after Forrest Creason’s closure, due to the course’s affordability compared to other courses.