SUMMIT TWP — Hiland Golf Course does more than blend in with the neighborhood.

It’s a major part of it.

“Just about everybody in this neighborhood has worked here at some point,” said Alan Zediker, co-owner of the facility with his sister, Sarah.

The course has belonged to the Zediker family since 1954, when Ralph Zediker bought it as a nine-hole course. He put in the back-nine in 1963.

“We’re all about family and friends here,” Alan Zediker said. “And the friends here feel like family.”

The golf course is about tradition as well.

The O’Donnell Open is a tournament run by that family for 25 years at Hiland. It takes place July 18 and will have a 216-golfer field. It peaked at 288 golfers before the participation had to be scaled back.

“I have to bring in extra carts for that thing. It’s a fantastic event,” Zediker said. “The O’Donnells have been playing here for a long time.”

Hiland also hosts an annual Veterans Tournament. This year’s event — the sixth annual — is June 27 and 144 veterans will be playing, including four Wounded Warriors.

All of the proceeds from that event benefit local homeless veterans.

“There is a waiting list for people to play in that tournament,” former Hiland head greenskeeper Charlie Young said. “You have to be a veteran to be eligible to play.

“We have a big ceremony to start the event. All branches of the military are represented, motorcycle riders come out ... It’s quite a scene.”

Hiland allows all active military personnel to play the course for free all of the time.

Hiland also plays host to 12 leagues, including three — the Larry George-Monroe, Chicora Moose and Dew Drop circuits — that have been around for years and carry as many as 60 golfers.

“We have a strong, loyal base of customers here,” Zediker said. “Some folks stop by just to enjoy the lounge and don’t play golf.

“We’ve been fortunate to have great greenskeepers here, too. They keep the course in tremendous condition. It’s always in good shape.”

Young was head greenskeeper at Hiland for more than 50 years. Greg Hesidence is the man in charge of the course these days.

“I trained Greg for five years,” Young said. “He does an amazing job. It takes long hours to work a golf course.

“The big thing is the weather. First thing I check in the morning is the humidity. When the humidity’s high, you’re going to have a problem with diseases in the grass and you have to go treat them.”

While Hiland has its loyal customer base, the facility continues to attract new customers. The course has joined a couple of discount golf programs available on-line. More information is available through www.hilandgc.com.

“The condition of the course promotes itself, really,” Zediker said. “People come out and play it and they want to come back.

“I’m always meeting new people. We’ve started putting new tees in for seniors and youth golfers. We want to make the course more appealing for everyone.”

The course has put in a new cart shed and renovated its equipment building as well.

Zediker said he has projects lined up on the golf course “down the road.”

Calling ahead for tee times is strongly recommended. Weekday fee for 18 holes with a cart is $29, or $27 for golfers age 60 and older. Weekend fees are $33 and $31.

Golfers may walk the course weekdays for $17 and $15, $21 and $19 on weekends. Pull carts are available for $2.