Date: March14, 2022
Contact: Jimmy Niziurski (Director of Golf), jimmy@morganscrossing.golf, 585-889-9325
Under new ownership, Chili Country Club in Scottsville to be reimagined as Morgan’s Crossing
Photos:
https://galleries.jordancraigmedia.com/morgans-crossing-golf-course/
Golf course videos:
v3: https://vimeo.com/687189847/02e7324555
Clean version: https://vimeo.com/687194406/72a9ed9591
Photo and video credits: Jordan Craig Media
SCOTTSVILLE, N.Y. – One of the most time-honored golf facilities in the Rochester district, will open for the 2022 season with new ownership, significant improvements and a new name.
Chili Country Club, a favorite public track that challenges all handicaps and offers extensive practice grounds, has been reimagined as Morgan’s Crossing under the ownership of Scottsville natives Tom and Todd Rath.
The “new” course’s namesake is Revolutionary War captain Joseph Morgan, who was Chili’s first settler in 1792. In the same year, he constructed the town’s first dwelling, historically documented as a rudely constructed log building. With that, Morgan cleared the first land and raised the first grain. He was responsible for the first fruit trees and orchards, and the first cemetery was on his tract.
Captain Morgan was also among Chili’s early entrepreneurs, having purchased a log distillery in 1795, enabling him to supply the early settlers with a liquid mainstay known as “good whisky”.
“Given the course’s place in Chili history, and the impact of Joseph Morgan to this part of the state, we felt it was important to connect the golf to the community’s storied past,” said Rath, who is also the Founder/CEO of Rock Bottom Golf. “There is so much unique local history here that we felt it imperative to channel that legacy through the golf course.”
While many players at Morgan’s Crossing will appreciate the tie to the past, the course operation is also looking ahead to satisfy its membership and day rate players. The par 72 layout measures 5,039 yards from the forward tees and tips out at 6,659 yards.
“The golf reputation here over six decades has been one of being friendly, affordable and welcoming to all whether you bring a twosome or the entire family,” continued Rath, who worked at the course as a youth. “While that will never change, players will continue to find lush fairways and perfectly manicured greens at Morgan’s Crossing. There will also be a fresh new look, including the Checkered Tavern Bar and Grill.”
The 19th hole establishment, taken from the name of founder and settler Benjamin Sheldon, recalls the checkered past of some of Chili’s residents. The Checkered Tavern, back in the day, was frequented by counterfeiters and was the scene of secret meetings and transactions that ultimately led its occupants to serve time in a penitentiary. Fortunately, this eventually changed, and many of the tavern’s descendants have taken their places among the community’s most well-heeled members. This is in marked contrast to those first arrivals who were considered part of the area’s shiftless class.
The term “crossing” was brought into the new name as the course sits on the corner of Morgan Road and Scottsville-Chili Road. The concept of the “crossing” is evident in the placement of a red X in the new logo.
When golfers enter Morgan’s Crossing in the spring, they will find a newly renovated pro shop which is now home to Rock Bottom Golf’s flagship store. Golfers who have shopped RockBottomGolf.com know that means top brands, a huge selection and guaranteed lowest prices. For players seeking new clubs, a personalized fitting process is done in their state-of-the art indoor fitting center equipped with the Foresight GC Launch Monitor, or on the full-length range.
Players can expect the pro shop staff to offer lessons, clinics and demo days, as well as tournaments and leagues. It is a perfect venue for weddings, parties and banquets. Patrons will be made more comfortable riding a fleet of new golf carts on renovated cart paths.
Opening day for this challenging, championship layout, located 12 miles southwest of Rochester, is dependent on weather and playing conditions. Get the latest updates by logging on to www.morganscrossing.golf, or call 585-889-9325.
