KOSSUTH, Pa. (EYT) — Hi-Level Golf Course will be celebrating 50 years of golf on Sunday, August 16th, 2015.

(Photo: L to R, front row:  Bob Hess, Kathy Hess, Eric Hess. L to R, back row:  Brian Hess, Trina Hess, Mindy Hess.)

50th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday’s 50th anniversary celebration includes a golf scramble, closest to the pin contest, putting contest, soccer golf scramble, and a reunion/open house from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost of the scramble is $50.00 per person and includes greens fees, cart, skins game, lunch, and prizes. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place men’s teams as well as first and second place mixed teams. For more information, call 814-797-1813.

History of Hi-Level

When Ed Hess opened the course in 1965, Hi-Level became the first public 18-hole course in Clarion County.

The course has changed over the years, adding a beginner’s course in the 1970’s and a driving range in the 1980’s. Most recently, Hi-Level lengthened hole number five to a par 5 and hole number six to a par four; however, the course’s famous par 6 number 16 has stayed the same.

“We’ve had lots of people stop to play Hi-Level simply because they have never played a par 6,” said co-owner Mindy Hess.

Soccer Golf Course Added

To keep up with the trends in golf, Hi-Level has also added a soccer golf course within their beginner’s course.

“We’re introducing the game of golf to new players in a much easier way with a soccer ball,” said Hess.

“It’s played under the same rules and etiquette of golf, but without the expense of golf equipment. It’s been really popular with teenagers, birthday parties, and local soccer teams.”

Hi-Level Develops from One Man’s Imagination into Local Favorite

The new additions echo Ed Hess’s original intention of building a course where golf was fun. The fairways are wide, the roughs are kept short, and the greens are some of the best in the area.

“If you did a survey of the people in the area, I bet more than 90% have learned to play at Hi-Level,” said Mindy Hess.

From oil field to farm to golf course, Hi-Level has emerged from one man’s imagination into a recreation facility enjoyed by thousands and operated by three generations of the Hess family.