Willow Creek Golf Course, having been closed since May 22 for renovations and improvements to its infrastructure, will reopen next Friday.

Frank Cox, general manager and director of golf for the championship-quality course, made the announcement Thursday morning.

"I think all of the improvements we had completed are coming in well and that the golfing public will enjoy them," said Cox. The fairways, greens and other playing surfaces have been worked on all summer, and work is continuing on the irrigation system.

"What we did was plant Bermuda grass everywhere, and now we have reseeded with rye grass for the winter," said Cox, as he stood on bare ground, where the landmark of the former Calvada Valley course -- the fountain and pond -- came into view for golfers as they walked out of the parking lot.

"We will reopen at 6:30 a.m., with regular tee times both Friday and Saturday (Sept. 30)," said Cox. "On Sunday, we have a group -- the Las Vegas Eagles -- coming in. On Oct. 4 and 5, we will host the annual Saddle West tournament."

One of the Pahrump Valley's oldest and more prestigious businesses, Willow Creek was closed to public play because of the extensive amount of work which had to be completed. Willow Creek, once known as Calvada Valley Golf Course when it was a Preferred Equities Corp. project in the late 1970s, has hosted many corporate, high school and junior golf events, as well as being a major social center.

The first golf course constructed in the Pahrump Valley, the now 6,883-yard, par 71 complex opened in 1979 and was one of the prime attractions for people moving to the valley.

Projects included adding "a significant number of new shade trees, repairing and replacing cart paths, course signage and other structures on the course," said Cox.

Prior to the closure, the pro shop and dining room were remodeled and had catered to groups for parties and banquets, as well as large tournaments, corporate outings and charity events. The course, originally named Calvada Valley, was designed by William Bell and constructed in the late 1970s. The second nine opened Oct. 6, 1979, and expanded the course to 7,069 yards, playing at par 71. The first round on the full 18-hole layout was played by a foursome that included club pro Paul Bullock; 1978 Nevada Amateur champion Stu Reid; Las Vegas pro Bruce Ashworth, and Pahrump's Mike Buchanan.

The course has undergone many changes over the years; the most recent alterations were made necessary by the expansion of Utilities Inc., located along Calvada Boulevard, near the intersection with Mount Charleston Drive. Future plans for the 178-acre property include the construction of condominiums, apartments and single-family homes.