A massive turn-out of state and regional leadership was on-site to celebrate the ground-breaking of the new golf facility.

Brand-new facility to change landscape along Red River

Local golfers will have a new reason to cross the Red River into Bossier Parish in about a year.

Sitting on about 27 acres next to Margaritaville Casino and Resort, the brand new Chasing Aces golf facility will soon be ready to open its tee boxes to visitors.

The $25 million development will be an interactive, multi-level driving range with 30 bays, amenities, and dining options. The plan is to combine a nine-hole smart course with an 18-hole putting course. It will boast multiple dining options, a training center and a pro shop. Former Northwood Country Club pro Mike Mitton will be the director of Gold Operations.

Beneath threatening skies on Friday morning, Feb 9, city, parish, and state officials and several hundred interested onlookers attended the groundbreaking ceremony at the site.

BRF, headquartered in Shreveport, is an innovation hub and economic development organization seeking to lure high-growth business opportunities to this area. The company worked with John Dudley, the motivating force behind the project from planning to shovels turning soil.

David Smith is the executive director of the BRF Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program. “Never let anybody ever tell you that there aren’t great ideas and great opportunities in north Louisiana because there certainly are,” he said, referring to Chasing Aces in particular. According to Smith, the entrepreneurial program has successfully launched 136 startup businesses, and Chasing Aces marks the 137th. “Those companies have generated over 400 jobs in north Louisiana. That’s helped keep our sons and daughters here at home. Chasing Aces is very near and dear to our hearts for that.”

Attorney William Bradford from Blanchard Walker Quinn and Roberts provided counsel throughout the process. “When we started this effort over a year ago — more than that — I looked at John and thought, man, he’s chasing dreams. Well, today you’re Chasing Aces, sir. We’re excited beyond measure.

“What you’ll see moving forward is a chance for Bossier City, Shreveport and northwest Louisiana to be on the map for golf entertainment. You are going to see the evolution of golf entertainment right here. I heard two words that describe both John and Randy [Rogers] perfectly. They’re homegrown, and they’re persistent. So, you keep at it; we’re so proud of you.”

Bossier Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Johnson praised Dudley and Rogers for their determination. “We have local folks willing to invest in this community and bring this great golfing and entertainment complex to us. I am very excited about this opportunity.”

Former Sen. Mike Wallsworth of Monroe was on hand representing Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, who was in Las Vegas as an ambassador to the state’s hosting of the Superbowl next year.

John F. George Jr., M.D., president and CEO of BRF, expresses enthusiasm for the project.

“Tourism is the No. 1 industry in Louisiana,” he said. “People love to come to Louisiana because (of) the way we treat our visitors.”

Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler told the gathering, “This is a great occasion as we join together to show our support for the groundbreaking and the beginning, we all believe, of something big, new, fun and exciting. Thank you for not only having the vision to create an entertainment destination that is second to none, but thank you for pursuing that vision. But even more importantly, thank you for your decision to bring it to Bossier City.

“I believe that Chasing Aces will bring many smiling faces to our community from many different places. Let’s get ready to celebrate Chasing Aces where all the time is tee time.”

Developer John Dudley told the crowd he felt loved and blessed by the outpouring of kind words at the ceremony. He said the city council and mayor were instrumental in helping move the project forward.

“I’m proud to be on this stage, and proud of something that’s going to change this community. We’re going to create 120 full-time jobs. We’re going to bring 200 short-term jobs. (We’re) bringing $25 million worth of economic development. It will be a $60 million boost in the next five years.”

“The level of entertainment that we are going to bring here is going to become a national brand. A national brand wouldn’t come here, so we will birth one. We will bring one to the world.”

Before what might have been the largest group ever to break ground in Bossier Parish manned their shovels, Dudley concluded by saying, “God has blessed us and put us on this path. To God be the glory.”

John Dudley is one of the driving forces behind the project.