The auction of the former Seven Hills Country Club this week is stirring up a final ripple of regret in the requiem of a golf course.
The winning bidder could be someone who wants to reopen Seven Hills Golf Course.
Numerous conversations with local golfers reveal a consensus that Seven Hills was closed for golf in 2022.
The Sanctuary in Plain Township is the latest facility to close.
Mike Criswell, who was once the owner of Seven Hills, has now resigned to the group that is “sorry” to see it disappear.
Criswell, who graduated from Perry High School, has spent his adult life traveling, having worked in Australia and Louisville Kentucky. He settled in Stark County, where he played for a Twenty-year League at Seven Hills.
He was friends with the Gran family for many years, who operated Seven Hills. The Grans sold the course in 2020, and it lasted for less than three seasons.
Criswell asked his Grans in 2014 to let him go with a golf car and a camera. He set off in the morning mist ahead of early birds.
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The images he created, which were dormant for decades, now capture the essence of what made Seven Hills a favorite in the locality and region.
Criswell stated, “I played in a Thursday Night League with Craig Yoder who, as a child, helped to build Seven Hills.” “He died last December, after a battle with cancer. I miss that place, and I miss my partner. I’m still in the original league – the Sylvester’s league – which is now at Sable Creek after Seven Hills closed its gates.
“The photos sat in my hard drive. It’s a shame because the place was gorgeous… pristine.” I thought you might be able to bring back some wonderful memories of Stark County since it is now likely to become housing parcels.
Criswell was fond of hole No. The 15th hole is carved by a creek and adorned with an elegant covered bridge.
He said, “I’ve always wanted to go to Augusta.” “I was inspired by the morning photos I’ve seen in Augusta when I created this.”
The par 4 number No. 17.
He said, “The view speaks volumes.”
This week, the former Seven Hills Country Club is going up for auction. It will close at the end 2022 season. The 18-hole golf course outside Hartville used to be considered one of Stark County’s premier courses. Many golfers may remember Criswell’s No. 1 shot. 1.
He said, “It was an excellent par 5.
His image of No. The mist rising from No. 17 strikes a ghostly note as the course is put up for auction.
Seven Hills’ heyday lasted for a long period of time.
Chris Racic’s review of Criswell’s photo shoot, published in the same year, captured the spirit.
A sample: “Tell Seven Hills that it’s your favorite course, and I will compliment you on having good taste.” If you tell me that it is the best public golf course in the region, I’d have trouble picking one better.
The land is located on a small tract just a few minutes south of Hartville.
The auction will be held by Kaufman Realty & Auctions of Sugarcreek on Friday and Saturday. The auction will feature a house which was not part of the course, as well as maintenance equipment and land that used 18 golf holes.
Last month, The Sanctuary held an auction for maintenance equipment and other items.
Reach Steve at [email protected].
