SUMMIT TWP — When it comes to Hiland Golf Course, the Zedikers were like a family corporation.

“I was one of five siblings and we all had to contribute in some way when we were young,” course owner Sarah Zediker said. “I remember picking up dirt with a poker in the parking lot.

“(Her brother) Alan started here when he was 13. My brothers were on the mower. I was never allowed to be on the mower.”

While Sarah’s father, Ralph, owned and operated the course, her mother, Charlotte, handled the books and payroll — all by hand.

Her mother died in 2013. Sarah took over the books — and has been transitioning them onto computer ever since.

“That’s a process ... a slow process,” she said, smiling.

Sarah’s sister died as a child. She lost a brother to a heart attack at age 36, another the same way at age 58. Her father died in 2001.

Alan Zediker took over operation of the golf course at that point. Sarah helped out on occasion, but was a teacher in the Butler School District for 32 years before retiring in 2014. She is still the coach of the Butler High School girls golf team, which plays its home matches at Hiland.

“Alan came to my retirement party. He said he wanted to make sure I retired,” Sarah said.

Alan Zediker died suddenly of a heart attack in August of last year at 59. That left Sarah as the lone Zediker to run the business.

But she is far from alone.

Chuck Young still helps out on the course and has been at Hiland for 60 years, well over half of those as course superintendent. Greg Hesidence took over as superintendent of the course six years ago and has been with Hiland for eight.

Zediker’s husband, Terry Rottman, is now one of the managers of the course and assists in its operation. Numerous others have been working on the course or at the facility for years.

“We watch out for each other here,” Hesidence said. “We have each other’s backs. We see to it that everything gets done.”

Hesidence described Alan as “a heck of a guy, very involved. He will be deeply missed.

“He always had a smile for everyone.”

Rottman has been a longtime golfer at Hiland and met Alan at the course. He knew him for 45 years.

“He introduced me to Sarah,” Rottman said. “And Alan picked up right where his dad left off in terms of being friendly with the customers and treating them right.”

Alan used to give golf lessons for a fee before eventually just giving advice for free.

“He didn’t care,” Sarah said. “He just wanted people to play good golf. He wanted them to have a good time here.”

While Alan is gone, Hiland Golf Course goes on.

The course workers removed 37 trees last year. Some of the holes have opened up as a result.

In terms of the course’s quality of playing surface, Hesidence said “we’re three weeks ahead of schedule.”

Hiland is playing host to 12 leagues this season. It is also home to numerous golf outings, including the eighth annual veterans outing June 24, run by Buck Ridley, and the O’Donnells’ outing July 15.

“That O’Donnells’ tournament has been going on for 27 years,” Zediker said. “There’s a waiting list for the veterans outing. Only veterans can play in that event.”

Zediker emphasized that all active military personnel can play Hiland at no charge.

She also expressed gratitude for the loyalty of the staff at the golf course.

“People retire from their jobs and always seem to come back and work here,” she said. “Everybody here just does what they need to do.

“I don’t like to be bossy. That’s not in me. Thankfully, I don’t need to be.”

Tee times are recommended at Hiland. Seniors age 65 and older may play at a discounted rate.