By David Fleet

Editor

Atlas Twp.

– After more than six decades, the Atlas Valley Country Club is under new ownershp.

On Nov. 30, Goodrich residents Jason and Andrea Bescoe purchased the business from the Henrickson family—Mark Henrickson, Laurie Welsh, Steve Henrickson, and Randi Rota, who had owned the historic course for 64 years. Mark and Laurie ran the club while Steve and Randi lived out of state.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the opportunity we were given and completely humbled that they chose us to continue their legacy,” said Jason Bescoe. “The entire staff will remain the same. Laurie and Mark are going to stay on and help with the transition.”

Jason is the owner of Grand Blanc-based Research Money Management, a wealth management firm specializing in retirement planning and investment management. Jason and Andrea are also partners in Fountains Golf and Banquet, an 18-hole golf course in Clarkston. Jason grew up in Ortonville, graduating from Brandon High School in 1989 and Andrea grew up in Flushing, graduating from Flint Powers in 1989.

“While we plan on remaining private, we are also looking to get rid of some of the old country club rules,” said Bescoe. “Golf rounds have been steadily decreasing over the years and we need to come up with more reasons for members to enjoy the club. We want the atmosphere to be more laid back and we want to give our members many reasons for wanting to be here. We want to create an experience that prevents them from having to look for something to do. We want them to always know that they can come up to the club on a Saturday, for example, and be able to find their friends and know there will be something fun going on.”

Bescoe plans on creating more membership types to better cater to a greater group of potential members. Currently, a single person without kids pays the same membership dues as a family of five.

“Even if someone isn’t a golfer, they can still join the club as a pool member or as a social member,” he added. “Both memberships allow for dining in the clubhouse and access to our social events. Both memberships are extremely affordable.”

Being a private club, with only a few hundred members, many people have never had the opportunity to experience the food here.

“Chef Mitch does an amazing job and is the best kept secret around. Prior to purchasing Atlas, we became members because it was the only way we could get access to the best chef around,” he said. “Mitch has been with Atlas since 1983 and has no intentions of retiring any time soon.”

Jason and Andrea have three children: Justin, 15, a Goodrich High School sophomore, and Emily, 13, an eighth grader and Elysa, 12, a sixth grader, both at Goodrich Middle School.