So nearly 40 years ago at the age of 22, while mowing a clients yard I witnessed his neighbor hitting golf balls off his deck in Mccutchenville IN. 1983
10 years later when I was building my deck on our newly purchased house I built a raised area to also hit golf balls,, and at the very least I would hit 3 balls a day.. 1993
22 years ago one of my landscape designers suggested we look into synthetic turf (ST) as a way to enhance our “low maintenance backyard”. Our Landscape specialty. And we did in 2001.
5 years later I installed a ST par three green across my lake and over the years we estimate myself and my golfing friends have hit nearly 125,000 balls in that direction. 2006.
10 years ago after mowing this property 30 times a year I began to design and plan a 18 hole golf course using 4 synthetic turf greens with 12 tee boxes that would only require 2-3 hours of mowing per week. Or for a golfing event. 2013
. But how do I tell Tammy we are building a Quasi private Exclusivity golf course in our backyard?
Finally, in the summer of 2022 I decided to pull the trigger. That Fall as we were coming back from a wonderful trip to the North East,we began to talk about one of our excursions to “The Boldt Castle.” Seeing this amazing building on an Island in the St Lawrence river, that a man had built for his wife was the inspiration that allowed me to discuss this dream with Tammy, of what I wanted to build on our property. (Read The Boldt Castle) It is a story about great love, hard work,respect for others, and creating something that can give future generations a story to appreciate. That you can have a dream .One you can Confidently,Patiently and Respecting others. CPR, build, and in doing so will define most of your life so others will benefit.. And thus began the process for a course that will not be a conventional golf course,i.e. one that will be open to the public,( but instead a private one that can help raise money for others and help achieve their dreams). I did public for 30 years, this will stay mostly private. Read The Kilt Roofer>
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This course will also be part of a Confidence Academy that will allow Foundations, fundraising and just good old fashion fun while giving opportunities to golfers a chance to see how with 14 acres you can create your own golf course in your backyard, { as long as she says it’s ok, right?]
The course will have 2 separate courses tied into one.. Masters and Players.… The Masters will be my vision of how this course is quite unique and challenging. The Players for friends and families that want a bit easier option.’’
The Master course will be hard….. Just like life….. And as I spend the next year planning the development The Players course is for those who do not get to play 3 times a week and still have problems with Their SLICE.
“Gods Mimosa Greens”( I think the name fits), to some> Or The Bobby Watson course of Pride. . will give you an opportunity to see what can be created with beautiful mimosa trees scattered among a picturesque landscape where God, with my help, can create his art and at the same time allows me to find time in today’s crazy world to reflect and honor him and his people. And The Bobby Watson course of Pride helps honor the man I met as a teenager and think about daily>. Now convinced (over 22 years of testing, that this unnatural product , ST, can withstand the test of time )I was able to begin imagining this course of ST and bermuda grass, and a geological find I unearthed years ago, that you can see if you wish to play..
I also realized with a simple 6 foot Scag mower,and envisioned this course while mowing the fields on this property. That we can teach young people never to give up and pursue their ambitions with CPR as their guide. .
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So if you are reading this now consider yourself a respected friend that at some time in our life, or someday soon I have found you as someone I would like to share my dream with,.or you just met me today as you found my website… Whether through business, school, Scouting, Family or just through our social interactions, and podcasts our times together have always been one of trust, or faith, laughter, or camaraderie. I trust you feel the same way, TIME WILL TELL>
. It’s funny that I realized years ago that, No… I am not special, but boy, I am different. And with a mind that is alway looking to the next adventure and a mindset of “. Yes, I do get bored doing the same thing over and over”. If you`ve been wondering what I’ve been up to lately.? This is it. So why now you ask.?
AS I approached semi-retirement, I have always wanted to spend my last years rekindling my favorite moments with those friends who have bestowed on me such great memories.((( It hit me a while back .. I love my family, I love my God , I love my country and Hell,…. I just love people, but, not always in that order))
. I realize, I can find the good in just about everyone and on that I will dwell. So what better way to reconnect with you in the years looking forward than to spend some time in a place I love doing whatever suits your fancy for a day or an evening.. I look forward,, if I’m given a few more decades,to celebrate that which is good with our world and in the meantime we can help raise money and awareness to those in need. Let’s continue to create memories with one golf ball, a toss of the trebuchet,, a disc, or even an Ax,(yes, we have constructed an ax throwing area). NOT RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR WIFE IF SHE IS MAD AT YOU),
So if you would like to know more or wish to help in some way, feel free to reach out to me by contacting me on my website or podcast Trespassing Aloud,com . No, the west side is not acquiring a new public golf course. But a friend you know is moving forward with a backyard plan he has put years of thought into, and wishes to help others. .Hope you like the idea!.
Now go out there and Have an empowering day .
Sincerely John M Schroeder.
The Sharing ( what I like to call all the land to honor my Mother)
Mrs Janie Schroeder…
. I felt this land Could be utilized for something more than just a field of grass and trees
Mary Jane as she is known by family and friends
An amazing, wife, mother sister, grandma and great grandmother who saw the positive in the world, and love to share all she had,( She ran a daycare out of our house for nearly 35 years for children from 2-8 years old), she deserves the recognition of this place due to her mantra that sharing was always important, but just as important., THE ACCEPTANCE OF A SHARERS GIFT, CAN BRING ETERNAL JOY. AND HAPPINESS..
With true patience this course will show our youth that with many many years to live they can fulfill their dreams
Mary Jane is currently 92 soon to be 93. And although her dementia greatly affects her short term memory. She is still the happiest person in the West River. Legacy unit on the westside of Evansville. My AMAZING MOTHER.
sPEAKING OF AMAZING.
*By the way, in 33 years Tammy has not hit a single golf ball. Peace
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