Family-owned golf course in Fresno grateful to community

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Golfers in Fresno celebrated 40 years of a local family-owned golf course on Saturday.

Hank Bocchini Jr. the owner of Hanks Swank Par 3 Golf Course, says his passion for golf started in 1965, working for his father at their Shields and Maple course while he was in high school.

“I got down there at 5:45 in the morning. It was pitch black, raining cats and dogs, and I was walking inside the pro shop whistling because I knew after the third day this was it. This is my life. And it has been ever since,” Bocchini Jr. said.

Through the years, Bocchini Jr. says his wife, Nancy, who is also an owner, helps keep the course thriving.

“She’s been the guiding light around here. And everyone will tell you that I mean, a lot of people that don’t even know me, but they know Nancy. Oh, that lady, that blonde lady. You know that Nancy. Well, well, she’s the one who greets the customers,” Bocchini Jr. said.

He says without the support from the community, family and friends, the golf course would not be the same.

“Without your customers and friends, you wouldn’t, you wouldn’t be there. You wouldn’t be here. And, you know, we appreciate that more than people would understand because like I said, I got great grandkids in my own kids and in between. And we’re all here. And it is through their support,” Bocchini Jr. said.

Bocchini Jr. says the 40-year anniversary event is a way to say “thank you” to the community.

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