Cascade Tees It Up with the Hardys

When Tyrone and Carol Hardy exchanged marriage vows at Ballinger Lake Golf Course in 1995, little did they know what the future had in store for them. Tyrone was completing his golf education to become a PGA professional. Getting married at the course was a fitting and affordable way to celebrate passions for golf and one another. Fast forward to September of 2005 and the Hardy's are the golf course managers for the very course where they first exchanged marriage vows. Hardy Golf LLC is their company and it governs the operations for the golf course, pro shop, golf course maintenance, the Lakeview Grill and banquet facilities. Their dog Koko greets golfers who visit the pro shop, adding to the friendly, warm environment that is very much a part of why golfers consider the Ballinger Lake Golf Course a favorite, neighborhood recreation destination.

Ballinger Lake Golf Course is a scenic municipality 9-hole golf course with a 6000 square foot clubhouse, located on the north end of Lake Ballinger in Mountlake Terrace. Over 23,000 rounds of golf are played at the course every year—and that quantity is growing steadily as the Hardy's spread the word and deliver their engaging style of customer service. "What we've tried to do is bring a mom-and-pop feel that you don't find much at golf courses today. It's a place where the customers know their golf pro and see the owners working behind the counter," Carol said.

The course was closed in 2004 and the Hardy's submitted a bid in May of 2005 to earn the contract to reopen it in July. Getting started with the right bank was among the most challenging aspects of getting this business off the tee. As with most courses, city municipalities are asking golf management companies to manage their courses and restaurants. 

Carol explained, "We needed to line up the banking before we turned in the bid.  We had been pre-approved with another local bank. However, when we were awarded the contract, the bank backed out. We were outraged that they would lead us to believe they were on our team and then back out at the last minute."

Carol was referred to Cascade by one of the directors of Housing Hope, where she worked at the time. Tyrone met with Cascade banker John Nelson. An avid golfer, John knew how the numbers worked.

Tyrone explained, "John understood golf course operations because he was a member of the Everett County Club and had personal knowledge of our golf course and the seasonal nature of play. We needed some money in the bank to support us during the slower winter months until volume would pick up in the spring. During our first meeting, we could see John's wheels turning over how to put a deal together. He said Cascade was willing to take a chance on us via a Line of Credit."

Tyrone and Carol say that John is very energetic and very supportive. "He always asks how it is going. It makes you feel that Cascade is on your side. John went out of his way to make this happen. He took a personal interest. He liked us, liked the business and he worked hard to make things come together for us. Without him, we couldn't have done this. As things worked out, we didn't use the whole Line of Credit. What we did use, we paid back by August."

"Going forward, our plans are to continue to make cosmetic improvements to the course and the building. We are building a strong Men's Club and the Women's Club is picking up. We have high school golf in the spring, as Ballinger Lake Golf Course is the home course for Mountlake Terrace High School. We’re an affiliate member of the First Tee of Snohomish County, which receives funding from organizations such as the Tiger Woods Foundation. We are considered one of the “best values” in the local area and easily can host seniors, families — virtually all levels of play.”

"No matter what happens as we move ahead, we plan on staying with Cascade as we grow."