El Dorado Insider Fall 2021 - 53

The Symetra Tour returns to action September 18-26
at the Murphy USA Shootout at Mystic Creek.
MURPHY USA PURCHASES MYSTIC
El Dorado based Murphy USA Senior Vice President and
General Counsel John Moore says, " Murphy loved having a
world class golf course in our own backyard that our employees
and community could enjoy. It's also a great place to entertain
friends and vendor partners. The fact that we were already
hosting Symetra here was important. We didn't want to see the
course languish so Murphy stepped in. We met with Pete Parks
and his investors and carved out the course while they kept the
real estate development. Murphy USA took over operations at
Mystic Creek December 2017.
" The original investors' first goal was to perfect the course so
a clubhouse had to wait. As a result, the pro-shop, locker room
and restrooms operated out of a FEMA trailer for the first few
years, " Moore continues.
" We had worked with the DLR Architectural Group out of
Cleveland on several projects including remodel of the home
office and our Wilson Place apartments. We were also aware of
their great work on the Murphy Arts District and Murphy Oil
Corporation Building. We were familiar with and trusted architects
Paul Westlake and Mark Morris.
" They were able to design a fit-for-purpose structure with
locker room, pro-shop and the pub-style Mystic Grill. The
building structure is heavy timber in keeping with a Southern
pine theme and large windows to take in the surrounding
scenery. The clubhouse is highlighted by a spacious back deck
overlooking the 18th green. " The official ribbon cutting on the
clubhouse was held in June 2021.
" Once finished, we worked hard to hire the right staff and
provide a pleasant atmosphere. Our Executive Chef is Socorro
Gill. She has lived in El Dorado for a number of years and
formerly acted as Sous Chef for the Griffin Restaurant. Her
Hispanic heritage brings a Southwest flavor to the menu. She
makes her own salsa, guacamole and cheese dip along with
many other homemade dishes. She and her staff serve a mix of
pub foods including burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads and fried
chicken. "
In conclusion, Moore says, " We've been told when the LPGA
Symetra team is looking to add new courses to the tour, they
hold up Mystic Creek as the standard to be judged by. "
AWARDS, RECOGNITION AND COMPOSITION
Cody Lack recently relocated his family from Wichita, Kansas,
to take the job of PGA, General Manager of Mystic Creek
Golf Club.
" I've been a PGA professional for over 20 years and have had
the opportunity to work in seven different states. The course is
owned by Murphy USA and operated by Honours Golf which is
part of the Troon Management family, " Lack says.
" Mystic Creek is an unbelievable 18-hole layout. We were
recently named a Top 100 Course You Can Play by Golfweek
magazine. It's a great honor to be rated number 34 in the nation.
We were also named the number one course in Arkansas
by Golfweek for the past three years. The greens are fast, firm
and undulating, requiring you to be very patient and hit the
proper side of the hole. Players have to be smart and take what
the course gives rather than force things. The fairways are in
great condition with a lot of pine trees, creeks, lakes and beautiful
scenery. There are numerous hazards but the course can be
played by all levels of proficiency because there are six sets of
tees for every hole, " Lack says.
" Our Symetra event called the El Dorado Shootout is scheduled
for September 20-26 (see related article page 17). We
hosted the Southland Conference Ladies and Men's Sunbelt
NCAA Championships this past April. The Sunbelt Championwww.GoElDorado.com
53
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El Dorado Insider Fall 2021

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