I can remember it clearly…Thirty-eight years ago the Mint Valley Golf Course held its grand opening dedication tournament, where 125 businessmen, politicians, members of the media, and eager golf locals tested the City of Longview's new course. Ron Freem, international golf course designer and architect, had transformed 130 acres of mint fields into what has become one of Southwest Washington's most fun and challenging 18-hole public courses. That day, the overwhelming response was indeed positive!

The next day, Joe McLaughlin, my first and only assistant, and I stood behind the pro shop counter in eager anticipation of the multitudes of golfers who would swarm over the lush fairways and pristine greens. Only it didn't happen. Throughout the day perhaps a dozen curious would-be golfers wearing plaid shirts, red suspenders and cork boots wandered out to test Longview's newest recreational novelty--a golf course open to anyone, providing they had the necessary $5.50 green fees and a bag of sticks (we did an incredible rental business that first season). Joe and I waited and waited until, finally, we decided to lock-up and go golfing ourselves (the secret wish of all Pros).

The message was clear: we had to turn over some divots and find new golfers if Mint Valley was to survive and prosper. We developed a simple strategy to instruct new golfers, promote and educate! We set out to establish, through the newly formed men's and ladies' golf associations, a first class tournament schedule that would showcase our fine golf course. We were also the first course to advertise with coupon discounts in the area newspapers. People would drive across town to hit a bucket of balls in our covered driving range and eat one of our famous Mint Valley Burgers. Perhaps the most fun and rewarding promotion was our junior golf program, which included instruction, etiquette testing, and fun contests. Our popular golf classes filled up rapidly as did our starting times.

Today our popular, user-friendly golf course is no longer a best-kept secret; Mint Valley Golf Course has developed into a jewel among the area golfing facilities. Not a day goes by without our customers coming in and raving about the excellent value for their golfing adventure. Come see for yourself why the "Mint" is the place to play.