“My dad and my brother Tommy started building this place over the summers of 1998 and 1999. I’ve been involved from day one,” Tricia Pelava started her speech with. “I do the accounting, so I have been involved from day one, but I distinctly remember our first golfer checking in when we didn’t even have a clubhouse yet and we just had a tent in our parking lot with a little cash drawer. It was a very memorable experience when we look at what we have now and we're thankful.”

Pelava went on to thank Nininger Township, the City of Hastings, the golf guests and employees over the summer for putting up with the chaos that any construction project creates on site. The caterers and florists were thanked, and guests were given an Irish beverage to join in on the Irish toast for prosperity to properly welcome their new space.

What they have now is not only a spacious clubhouse for the golfers to enjoy when the 36-hole golf course is open, but a brand new, beautiful event center and a spacious bar with state-of-the-art golf simulators that can be used year-round. The ownership group of Emerald Greens invited City, County and Township officials, special guests and members of the local media to be one of the first to tour and be part of an event at their new event center called the Wexford. The event gave guests a chance to meet and try the food of the preferred catering vendors and gave staff some practice at the bars. After the official ribbon cutting picture and festivities took place, guests were encouraged to explore including visiting the lower level of the addition where Bogey’s pub and Golf Simulators are located.

First, allow me to add some perspective to this story, I have been involved in weddings since the age of 16 as a wedding DJ. I have been part of more than 300 weddings, and I have seen several hundred different wedding venues. The Wexford blew me away when I walked in the door. Spacious, beautiful yet simple and so well thought out. The main hall eventually had over 200 people in it and one of the first things I noticed was the sound, or lack thereof.

Being a sound guy with 34 years of experience, it is amazing how many places do not hire a sound person to fix any sound issues in their newly created space. The Wexford had sound deadening tiles all over the ceiling that perfectly blended into the décor and turned the noise of 200 people into a slight murmur, allowing conversations to take place at every table in the room at a comfortable speaking level, it was extremely impressive.

They have a built-in sound system that does an amazing job covering the whole 6,000 square foot banquet hall with ease while not deafening people too close to the speakers. Entertainers will connect directly to the in-house system which will save a ton of time setting up events and ensure a smooth sound throughout the hall.

The hall can seat up to 400 people inside and there is an additional 2,800 square feet of meeting space. Outside there is a 3,000 square foot deck and for wedding ceremonies a rock waterfall with nuptial island that includes tiered seating for 400 guests. There are two separate suites for wedding parties to get ready in, the bridal suite and groom’s lounge. Both are set up perfectly to have ample space that is comfortable for the long wedding days.

The views around the deck/hall provide a beautiful backdrop for any event, the outdoor ceremony space is amazing and the additional option for utilizing Bogey’s Pub and Simulators is a neat bonus.

Bogey’s Pub and Simulators is located on the lower level of the event center and the space is huge. Each simulator has more than enough space to accommodate a group of eight and just like the space upstairs, they did a great job with the sound deadening, so the space feels very relaxing yet fun. The common area between the simulators is spacious enough to allow other groups to watch the simulators in use or wait for their scheduled time to play.

The bar is huge too with plenty of TVs to catch the days game or just sit back and enjoy a beverage or meal. There are a total of eight golf simulators with two of those having the ability to do other sports including some shooting sports. The simulators are the newest technology, and they look great.

The event gave guests a chance to meet and try the food of the preferred catering vendors The new facility is truly amazing, so if golf is your thing and you want to hit the course in the winter, head on over to Bogey’s Pub and Simulators. If you are in need of an event space, check out the Wexford. Both are sure to impress. Congratulations to the staff and owners at Emerald Greens, you hit a hole in one with this expansion!