Course of the Week: Shangri-La Resort and Crescent Hotels & Resorts host course grand opening

(Photo: Shangri-La Resort)

Crescent Hotels & Resorts and Shangri-La Resort in Monkey Island, Okla., are preparing for the grand opening of The Battlefield, an 18-hole par-3 golf course. Shangri-La owner Eddy Gibbs, Executive Chairman Jason Sheffield and President and CEO Barry Willingham host the official grand opening and dedication on Friday, June 30.

Tom Clark and Kevin Atkinson designed the short course with a 3,000-yard Battlefield layout, the land having more than 100 feet of elevation change. The course was completed for $15 million with each hole named in honor of an Oklahoma veteran of World War II.

(Photo: Shangri-La Resort)

The course has a 165-yard warm-up area and 10,000-square-foot putting green, along with a practice range and short-game facility at the main clubhouse.

“It’s an endlessly fun and engaging experience for golfers of every skill level that also recognizes our brave military personnel, with special commemorations to World War II veterans on every hole,” said Rob Yanovitch, director of golf operations.

This, accessible par-54 course which features holes from 110 to 245 yards, joins the acclaimed 27 championship holes at Shangri-La, the Legends, Heritage and Champions courses (framed on the shores of Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees) to present a 45-hole course.

(Photo: Shangri-La Resort)

The public grand opening and dedication event begins with the formal presentation of colors by the Ritual Team from Grove American Legion Post 178 and former Broadway performer Ron Young’s stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Lieutenant Governor Pinnell will keynote the opening.

The Battlefield’s formal dedication by State Representative Josh West will honor all military veterans, but especially World War II veterans, in keeping with The Battlefield’s theme and mission.

“We take great pride in Shangri-La having become a beloved destination for outdoor recreation, world-class golf, quality time with family and friends – all in an idyllic natural environment,” says Shangri-La President & CEO Barry Willingham. “The opening of The Battlefield, though, marks an achievement and source of pride that’s difficult to put into words. To have a grand-scale living monument that honors our veterans and military service people fulfills a meaningful vision for our team and our commitment to never forget to honor those who have made our freedoms possible. We can’t wait for golfers of all ages to enjoy the special experience of playing The Battlefield.”

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