Ronny Ross wants the Brookhaven Country Club to be an integralpart of the community. The BCC’s new general manager and golfprofessional said he “has a ton of ideas” to help promote the clubas a recreation facility for the entire family.

“I’m very excited about this job and its potential,” said Ross.”I want the Brookhaven Country Club to become more familyoriented.”

Ross, 35, a Lincoln County native, recognizes the high qualityof the new 18-hole layout which was completed less than two yearsago. “It is the biggest secret in this part of the country. It is anice, fun-to-play golf course.”

The course is 6,319 yards in length, featuring several lakes,sand bunkers and undulating greens. It is par 70. The club also hasa driving range and putting green.

To introduce more area residents to the course, Ross is openingits use to the general public on a trial basis. During the week,golfers can enjoy a promotional green fee of $25, including a golfcart.

“We want to increase the club membership,” said Ross. “I wantthe people to feel welcome. When they see the product we have tooffer, I’m sure they’ll be impressed.”

Ross said golfers are urged to call for a tee time. Golfers mustwear a shirt with a collar and have rubber spikes on theirshoes.

Besides golf, the BCC boasts an outstanding tennis program.David Misner serves as tennis professional at the club and hiswife, Jennifer, works in the tennis shop.

“We have an awesome tennis program out here,” said Ross. “Davidand Jennifer are quality people. They believe tennis should be afamily activity.”

Also on the BCC staff are Tyler Easterwood, coursesuperintendent; and Jay O’Hern, assistant pro.

“We have a real good staff,” said Ross. “They are doing a goodjob.”

Ross replaces Chris Coffin who was general manager. Ross hadserved as a part-time golf teacher at the club during the pastyear.

Starting Nov. 1, the BCC will be open seven days a week. Thecourse had been closed on Mondays.

The BCC is owned and operated by Joshua Management. The old,governing board has been disbanded.

Current plans are to start a Ladies Day on Mondays. The greenfee will be $13 and it is available to non members, too.

On Wednesdays, starting at 11 a.m., Ross plans a SeniorScramble. It also is open to the public and the entry/green fee is$20. Players must register by 10:30 a.m.

On Saturdays, Ross plans to begin an 18-hole, morning scrambletournament, starting at 9 a.m. It is open to the public and costs$35 per round. Members will pay $25.

Ross said lunch will be included in the green fee, plus theopportunity to watch Saturday football games on the club’s bigscreen television. Entry deadline is 8:30 a.m.

According to Ross the banquet hall is available for member use.He wants them to hold club and business meetings at thefacility.

“I want the ladies and juniors to become more involved,” saidRoss. He said area high school golf teams are welcome to use thecourse one day a week for practice. Golf coaches should call him tomake arrangements.

“There’s no reason why this facility can’t be great,” said Ross.”I want to raise my family here in Brookhaven. I had numerousopportunities to have other jobs but I want to live inBrookhaven.”

Ross is married to the former Elizabeth Hoffman of Brookhavenand they have two children, Jacob, age 6; and Olivia, age 3.

A 1985 graduate of Brookhaven Academy, Ross obtained a degree inProfessional Golf Management from Mississippi State University in1992. He served as first assistant at Oak Harbor Golf Club inSlidell, La., for three years.

From 1995-2000, Ross was head PGA professional at the WolfHollow Golf Club on the Copiah-Lincoln Community College campus inWesson. He was in private business with his father, Roland, lastyear.