The Potomac Highlands Dispatch - the online newspaper

'Gentle Giant'
Texas native hired as Maplehurst golf pro

For The Potomac Highlands Dispatch
FROSTBURG, March 25 -- A man known for the quality of his swing as well as the size of shadow he casts has been hired as Director of Golf/GM at the Maplehurst Country Club in Frostburg.

Texas tall man Justin Henderson reported to work less than two weeks ago to manage the day-to-day operations at the private, 18-hole course, situated off state Route 36.

“Maplehurst gave me an opportunity to expand my experiences,” said Henderson, who is relocating to the Frostburg area with his wife Liz and two sons, Thomas (age 10) and Jacob (4). “When I had my first interview with the search committee, I knew this was a position that I would be interested in.”

Henderson, 36, has previously been honored as the Feature Golf Professional in The Eastern Shore Golf Magazine, and is also an accomplished musician and an Eagle Scout. He is in charge of all operations of the golf course, teaches lessons to all skill levels - men's, women's, mixed and junior clinics - as well as coordiantes tournaments. Henderson also emphasizes customer service and is an instructor for a customer service training class that can be used in almost any type of business.

Henderson is a native Texan, but comes from Stockton, Md., on the Eastern Shore. Previously, Henderson held the position of Head Golf Professional at The Beach Club Golf Links in Ocean City, Md.

“Maplehurst has made many improvements in the past year, including a new fleet of carts, and new equipment for our grounds crew. We were looking for an individual to bring a level of energy, experience, and enthusiasm to the Club to continue the momentum that we’ve been generating. Justin certainly meets all of these criteria,” said Jim Lauder, President of Maplehurst Country Club.

The Maplehurst course features 6,677 yards of golf from the long tees for a par of 72, according to golflink.com. The course rating is 70.8 and it has a slope rating of 126 on Rye grass. The course was designed by James G. Harrison, ASGCA, and opened for play in 1954.

Memberships at the Club are $300 for students, $600 for individuals under 30, and $999 for regular memberships. Additionally, unlimited cart usage can be purchased for the entire year for $625. To learn more about Maplehurst Country Club, membership opportunities, or holding an outside tournament, Justin can be reached at the Pro Shop at 301-689-6602.