Just a year ago, the Hosek family took over at what was Umatilla Golf Course, changing the course and the name to Big River Golf Course.

To help celebrate their one-year anniversary, the Hoseks are holding a party all day Saturday at the golf course in McNary. Ron Hosek said golfers can golf for half-price, which includes carts for half-price, too. The pro shop will have a 10- to 70-percent-off sale on everything but golf balls.

Son Ryan Hosek, the golf pro, will be available to help fit golf clubs.

“This is a good time to be thinking about Christmas gifts,” Ron Hosek said. Memberships are available to the course, with discounts for members who pay early.

While change isn’t always considered a good thing, at Big River, golfers appreciate the changes they’ve seen.

Bob Hoeffel of Hermiston, who has been golfing at the course since 1977 and tries to golf at least twice a week, said having a nice, local course is a great asset.

“It is very nice to have a local owner,” Hoeffel said, “living here and taking care of the course. They are actually making improvements on the course instead of just running it.”

Maintaining the course is important, Hoeffel said, which is something the grounds crew, headed by Ron Hosek’s son-in-law Gunner Olsen, strives for.

“Even at the end of the season,” Hoeffel said, “it’s in the best shape the course has been ever since I’ve been coming. I am looking forward to the improvements.”

Changes at the course have included installing a new sprinkler system with more than 70 valves and 500-600 sprinkler heads; a new tee box at the eighth hole; trimming more than 400 trees to speed play and increase visibility; enlarging three of the greens; removing dead trees; and enlarging and reshaping several sand bunkers.

The Hoseks have purchased new mowing equipment and have pulled the puncture vines that used to plague the snack bar.

Ron Hosek said three members built little trays at the tee boxes to collect broken tees and several members and neighbors volunteer their time to help clean the course – dragging dead limbs to the burn pile or collecting garbage. Others have donated grass seed and other amenities.

Bev Miller, also of Hermiston, has been a golfer on and off for about 20 years, picking up her clubs again about two years ago after a five-year absence. She said the Hoseks have done a great job with the grounds on the course and improving other aspects of the course, not all of which are cosmetic.

“The most noted improvement is the attitude,” she said. “They’re happy to see you. That goes a long way with me.”

Ron Hosek said the course has hosted more than 40 tournaments, including the Northwest Golfers Association with golfers from Spokane, Seattle, Portland and Tacoma coming to play at Big River.

“They started and ended their season with us,” said Megan Olsen, Hosek’s daughter and the general manager for Big River. “They had so much fun they decided to end their season here.”

Big River has also hosted many charities, families and businesses throughout the year.

The golf course isn’t the only thing that is expanding and changing – Ron and wife Kathy recently renewed their vows at the course after 35 years of marriage; Megan Olsen and her husband Gunner welcomed a baby into the family, Carter, who joins big brother, Grant; and Ryan Hosek and his wife, Apryl, welcomed Rylie, who joins big sister Brayden.

For more information, call Big River Golf Course at 922-3006 or stop by the course along Willamette Street in McNary.