Improved golf course conditions, rebranding of the facility and improved irrigation system are soon to take place at the former Bolado Park Golf Course, which will be renamed "Pinnnacle Hills Golf Course."

“We are 100 percent confident that we can make a positive difference in the facility. We are excited to take over this iconic golf course,” said Jeff Christensen, president of SGM. “We are excited to see what we can do here. We plan on improving the course conditions first then move into a new marketing plan, improved carts, improved equipment, improved image and very affordable rates.”

SGM’s first plan of business will be to change the name of the golf course. Christensen said that the name change was important for many reasons, including that it reflects the area and its relationship with the new status the government has given Pinnacles National Monument. “We want this golf course to be one that is played for its beauty and conditioning, not just it’s affordability," Christensen said. "We want Pinnacle Hills Golf Course to be a first choice golf course in the community."

Christensen, a PGA professional and owner of SGM has long ties with the area. “My parents and their parents were all from the Morgan Hill and Uvas area," he said. "I also have many relatives in Hollister so I know the area well."

The 33rd District Agricultural Association, which operates the Bolado Park Fairgrounds and is in charge of the golf course property, worked with the representatives of Sierra Golf Management and the existing Bolado Golf Club Board in order to facilitate a smooth transition for all parties including the existing members of club, said Donnnette Carter, chief executive officer of the association. 

President Ed Barrios commented, “We are very pleased about the opportunity Sierra Golf Management brings to golfers in the area, and we are grateful for their willingness to honor existing memberships. The future of the course is bright.”

While the course will remain temporarily closed due to upgrades already in process, it is anticipated that golf will return by late March.

“This is an exciting time for everyone involved," Carter said. "Sierra Golf Management has an outstanding business model which will breathe new energy into the course and provide unique offerings to local and visiting golfers.  As they operate the course, they will partner with the 33rd’s efforts for marketing and tourism promotion.“  Carter added that a new brand for the course is timely as the 33rd DAA has re-branded the fair and continues with a new brand for Bolado Park Event Center. "These are exciting times for all entities, and we look forward to what is to come," she said.

Sierra Golf Management is one of California’s largest golf course management companies with a total of 10 California golf courses under their portfolio. SGM is based in Chowchilla and has golf courses in Southern, Central and Northern California. SGM provides golf services for public, municipal, private and resort golf courses.It has been managing golf courses since 1994.

"We are very pleased to be involved with such a great golf course. It has a great layout as well as a long and storied history and we could not be more pleased than to have been given the opportunity to lease this golf course from the 33rd Ag District," Christensen said. "I think the community will be very pleased with what we will try and accomplish. It will take some time but I believe that we will have a very desirable golf course that everyone can be proud of."