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News
Hot Air Balloon Uses Fairway
Bunker as Landing Strip
On Sunday morning July 25, 2010
golfers were treated to a sight that is not normally seen on
the golf course.
The hot air balloon pilot stated
that he was trying to avoid a storm cloud in the distance and
that created the necessity to land on short notice.
Little did he know he was landing on a course that was named
after its topographical attributes. Everything went well
and no one was hurt, but it did back up the first tee for a
bit while the balloon was being removed
 . 
The Stars at Night are Big and
Bright Deep in the Heart of Branson
The stars of Branson helped
Thousand Hills make 15th anniversary memorable and welcome
Mickey Gilley back to town in fine
fashion.
It
was a star studded evening at Thousand Hills to celebrate our
15th anniversary and Mickey Gilley's return to Branson. Allen
Edwards, Buck Trent, Neal McCoy, Shoji Tabuchi, Pierce Arrow
and many other stars were present to welcome Mickey
back.
Thousand Hills Turns
15
Mickey Gilley Hits the First
Shot
15 years ago on April 1, 1995 Andy
Williams struck the first shot at Thousand Hills golf course.
This began a new standard to be met which has evolved into
Branson being the #1 golf destination in the
Midwest.
Fast forward to April 1, 2010. Mickey
Gilley struck the first shot at Thousand Hills golf course to
continue Branson's status as the #1 golf destination in the
Midwest. Mickey and Thousand Hills have always had a
wonderful relationship. It is our pleasure and honor to share
the spotlight on this most auspicious day as it also
commemorates Mickey's return to Branson after a lengthy
recovery due to an injury suffered in 2009. Welcome back
Mickey. April 12th will be Mickey's first show since the
accident. He is very excited to return to both his show
and and golf. Thank you for your friendship and all of
us at Thousand Hills wish you Godspeed in your continued
recovery.
The Legends in Concert
Take the Stage at Thousand Hills
Golf Resort
On Friday and Saturday November
6th and 7th 2009 The Legends in Concert took the stage at
Thousand Hills Golf Resort. The event was graced by
fabulous weather and great turnout, with almost 200 golfers
taking advantage of the opportunity to mingle with the stars
of The Legends in Concert. Besides being introduced to
the Legends the golfers also received a free hamburger/hot dog
lunch, special golf rate, inclusion in daily closest to the
pin contests and a special show rate for the Legends in
Concert.
The Blues Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Elvis
Presley and Buddy Holly were all in attendance to greet
golfers, pass out complimentary Legends logo golf balls and
even get in a few holes.
Shoji Tabuchi Scores "Hole in
One"
Golf
Obsession
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By Joshua Clark
Staff
Writer
There is something about the sport of golf that attracts
entertainers and professional athletes alike. From Michael
Jordan to Alice Cooper, golf is quickly becoming a pastime for
those who spend their lives entertaining.
“I love the
game of golf,” country music legend Mickey Gilley said during
an interview in June. “It is a full-blown passion that I take
advantage of as often as I can. I just love to get out there
and torture myself.”
Thousand Hills Golf Pro Dan Davis
sees Gilley and Branson entertainer Shoji Tabuchi several
times a week, as well as several other local and national
entertainers who play the course every year.
“In
addition to Gilley and Tabuchi, we get folks from Pierce
Arrow, Grand Country Jubilee and Buck Trent,” Davis said.
“Plus, we had the guys from Restless Heart and Little Texas
over the past few weeks, as well.”
Most golfers never
get the chance to experience that high of golf course highs —
the hole-in-one — but for Gilley and Tabuchi, that reality has
happened on several occasions.
On July 3, Tabuchi
drained his second career hole-in-one at Thousand Hills Golf
Course.
“It’s beautiful,” Tabuchi said. “There is
nothing nicer, is there?”
Tabuchi’s hole-in-one last
week came on the second hole, which measures 124
yards.
“My friend Wayne Dixon actually called the
shot,” Tabuchi said. “A few times I came really close, but you
have to be right on it to get the ball to fall.”
The
staff at Thousand Hills gives golfers who make a hole-in-one a
personalized golf flag, which includes the yardage for the
day, the club used and the signatures of all witnesses. Davis
estimates there are between 15-20 a year.
Tabuchi’s
addiction to the sport began 15 years ago.
“Golf just
ruined everything,” Tabuchi said with a smile. “My fishing and
every other sport was gone. I play several times a week, but
if you ask my wife, she’ll say it is every
day.”
Tabuchi plays as often as three times a week at
courses around town, but confesses he plays Thousand Hills
most often.
“I have two shows a day, so I get out
early,” Tabuchi said. “I can get in 18 holes really quickly
here and still have time to prepare for the
show.”
Tabuchi has a long way to go to catch up with
Gilley, who has four holes-in-one. Gilley, who is recovering
from back surgery, has recorded two holes-in-one on hole No.
12, one on hole No. 2 and one on No. 17 during his 14 years
playing at Thousand Hills.
“The one on 17 was great
because it was 166 yards and the pin was on the back side of
the green,” Gilley said. “I hit a five wood and drained it.
Nowadays, I just pray to get on the green.”
Gilley
enjoys Point Royale, Holiday Hills and Thousand
Hills.
“I’ll play anywhere. I just love the
game.”
Golf’s popularity has grown because of the
personal challenge, Tabuchi said.
“You are competing
with yourself, and that aspect seems to speak to everyone,” he
said. “You know, it’s the battle within yourself.”
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