There’s always a golf story in western New York. It might be the new insides at The Frog Hair, the seven simulators in the Paddock Dome or the progress on the clubhouse at Harvest Hill. Verlyn Klinkenborg, in his seminal Buffalo novel The Last Fine Time, acknowledges in verse one that “Snow begins as a rumor in Buffalo.” The same is true of golf news.

 

New Clubhouse from Southwest

New Clubhouse from Southwest

 

In the initial interview conducted in November, Ross Cellino revealed his plans for the new buildings at Harvest Hill:

“We’re not interested in building a Taj Mahal,” Cellino continued. “We want a practical, efficient, serviceable clubhouse that doesn’t cause green fees to rise. We want a place where golfers can have a sandwich and a beverage and feel comfortable.”

 

New Clubhouse from Northeast

New Clubhouse from Northeast

 

Since it opened in the late 2000s, Harvest Hill has utilized three buildings beside the 9th green. An original stone house housed administrative offices and The First Tee. A barn stored carts and other equipment. A smaller edifice contained the pro shop. There were no spaces for golfers on the premises; the new building remedies that absence.

 

View From Entrance

View From Entrance

 

There won’t be weddings or mitzvahs at Harvest Hill, but there will be a space for golfers to escape inclement weather, kick back for a relaxing beverage and sandwich after 9 or 18 holes or simply change their shoes. They’ll also be able to sit on the porch and give their friends grief as they putt out on the par-five 18th green.

 

Original Buildings at Harvest Hill

Original Buildings at Harvest Hill

 

With the carts moving over to the clubhouse, the two barn structures, along with the old stone house, might be used for other purposes. For the public golfer, Harvest Hill’s time as a complete golfing destination arrives in 2013.