Page 64 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch August 16, 2013 . . Deer Run Membership Drive Underway FROM PAGE 63 pionship designation, Deer Run whittled down the original 27 holes to the current 19, expanding several and converting some of the remaining holes into a large chipping and putting green as well as a driving range. Despite its proximity to Route 50, the course is tucked away and offers natural play, said Colbert. “When I bought the land, it was an old farm, a soybean and corn farm. We built the golf course and have been improving it ever since,” he said. Some future improvements that Deer Run is looking toward include a new clubhouse and a potential RV park. Colbert and his wife own the 112-acre parcel adjacent to the course and have been considering the addition of an RV park for several years. “We have all of the permits to build an RV park. They’re all approved through the county,” he said. “We’ve had those permits for a couple years, but we haven’t built because of the economy. We hope that the economy improves enough that we can do something across there on that property.” Likewise, a new club house has been on hold until the recession winds down, something Colbert hopes to see within the next few years. In the meantime, Deer Run is focused on expanding its membership. A popular stop for vacationers on their way to Ocean City, Colbert would like to see more regulars signing on with the course. This has led to the beginning of an “aggressive” membership drive this summer. “I try to build relationships with my members and my regulars … we’re known as the friendliest golf course down here,” he said. “That’s our brand. That’s in our business statement.” Colbert applies a business edge honed in “corporate America” to all aspects of running the course. “I come from Washington D.C. I worked for corporate America. I was a general manager for Boeing, the airplane people,” he said. “And when I retired, I had a great passion for golf.” The competition in the area can be tough, Colbert admitted, especially given how seasonal visitors are to the shore. But he believes that Deer Run’s unconventional layout and flexibility for causal and dedicated golfers has helped it earn a niche in the community. One other area where the course excels is in hosting tournaments, especially charity events, Colbert added. “If somebody wants to run a charity tournament, I can raise more money for them here than anybody else,” he claimed. “It’s proven over and over again.” Also located at Deer Run is the Bob Beckelman Golf Academy, which has been offering lessons and game analysis at the course since it was founded. FREE Summer Programs THRU AUG. 24 PROGRAMS BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AND LAST APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES (NO PROGRAM JULY 4TH) Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum 813 South Boardwalk At The Inlet 410-289-4991 • www.ocmuseum.org SUNDAY – NEW PROGRAM: “DIARY OF A REPTILE” presented by the Delmarva Discovery Center. Have you ever wondered how a snake sleeps or how a turtle swims? Join the DDC as they present the marvelous stories of our native reptiles and amphibians. MONDAY-BEACH SAFETY: Learn How To Be Safe In The Surf WIth The Famous Ocean City Beach Patrol TUESDAY-O.C.B.C.: OCEAN CITY BEFORE CONDOMINIUMS: Takes You Back To A Time When Ocean City Was A Quiet Fishing Village WEDNESDAY-KNOT TYING: Become An Expert At Nautical Knots With Help From The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary THURSDAY-ALL ABOUT SHARKS: Find Out What Sets Sharks Apart From Other Fish FRIDAYS-STORM WARRIORS: Experience What It Was Like To Serve In The U.S. Life-Saving Service, Especially In Stormy Weather SATURDAY-AQUARIUM FEEDING: Watch And Learn About Local Marine Critters As They Have Their Morning Meal