By Will Plazewski
Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Since it opened in 1957, the course itself has been known by many names — Airport Links, Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Links and City Course.
While its official name is actually Zephyrhills Under Par, as far as the course’s staff is concerned, it could just as easily be called Family Links, because that’s how they view each other and their guests.
Ask Course Manager Craig Sexton about the numerous leagues he hosts, and he gets off topic boasting about the weekly lunch specials prepared by Denise McKillip and her kitchen staff.
McKillip is just as likely to talk about the wonderful job that Course Superintendent John Husar does keeping the course in excellent shape, as she is to boast about the restaurant’s variety of tasty soups and tasty specials.
And, so it goes.
Everyone on General Manager Aya Burkhart’s staff works very hard, and it’s no secret they’re very proud of each other’s efforts to create a great experience for their guests.
“We really are like a family, and that family includes our golfers,” said Burkhart. “Most everyone is on a first-name basis around here.”
That says a lot, because during the winter season, Zephyrhills Under Par hosts many weekly golf leagues from the area’s numerous adult-living communities. Plus, its 35-seat banquet room is frequently used for various HOA meetings and private parties.
Expanding on their family theme, Sexton talks about what a great place the 60-year-old, city-owned course is for beginners and junior golfers. During the summer, golfers age 12 and younger play for free, when accompanied by a paying adult golfer.
“The course is very forgiving for those still learning the game,” said Sexton. “Plus, golf is an excellent way for kids and parents to unplug from all their digital media, get off the couch, and get some fresh air.”
Zephyrhills Under Par is located just west of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and Skydive City. Local pilots and parachutists enjoy the birds-eye view they get of the scenic course.
In fact, Husar recalled one jumper in particular who had the best view ever when he drifted off course and onto the links. “There he was, dangling from one of the trees near (holes) 13 and 14,” he said with a grin.
813-782-0714 • zephyrhillsgolf.com
39248 B Ave. • Zephyrhills, FL 33542
(next to the airport)
Tee-times daily between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
