Florida Historic Golf Trail

The Rockledge Country Club, located in the city of Rockledge in Brevard County, had its beginnings in 1911. After several stops and starts and renovations, the city of Rockledge took over the golf course in the early 1930s, and promptly reduced the cost to play. The new green fees and yearly dues were set at 50 cents per day; $2.50 per week; $7.00 per month and $15.00 per year. Women would pay only $7.00 and year and the children of members between the ages of 14 and 18 could play for free.

(Photo: First Tee at Rockledge Country Club, Courtesy of Rockledge Country Club)

In February 1932, during a woman’s invitation golf tournament, a golfer drove her ball into the creek at the 13th (todays 5th hole) while looking for her ball her caddy spotted a large fish swimming in the creek. C.A. Thomas, Clearwater Country Club’s assistant greens keeper was called and proceeded to take the flag pole and spear the 110 pound, 63-inch tarpon. It was believed that the tarpon came up the creek during high tide. Local newspaper article went on to say that “Fishing tackle may hereafter be included in the equipment of golfers who play on the golf links of the Clearwater Country Club.”

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/clearwater-country-club
(Photo: Tarpon Caught in Steveson Creek at Clearwater Country Club, 1932)

Florida’s historic courses have been the site of many exhibition matches between well-known pros. For example, in 1945, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and Harold “Jug” McSpaden played in an exhibition match at the Daytona Beach Golf Club to open the course for the winter golf season. The big three (Snead, Nelson, and Hogan) came back to the Club the next year with Jimmy Demaret and played in another exhibition match. Demaret won the match with a 63.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/daytona-beach-golf-club

(image: 1946 Scorecard for Snead, Nelson, Hogan, and Demaret)

While most folks are satisfied with a normal 18-hole round, some golfers at the Bartow Golf Course in Polk County decided to take a different approach. In 1923 they staged a "moonlight golf marathon" and played through the night, with the winner playing "126 holes in 594 strokes in 26 hours and 5 minutes of continuous play." Don't try this at home.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/bartow-golf-course

(Article: Bartow Golfers Put on Marathon by Moonlight, Tampa Tribune June 1, 1923)

The Hollywood Beach Golf Club seemed to keep the job of golf professional in the family. At various times, the club's pros included members of Nelson family. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, all six brothers—Wallace, Lee, Chick, Dick, Chester and Erwin— would become golf professionals and work at the Hollywood Beach Golf Club over the years.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/hollywood-beach-golf-club

(Photo: Erwin, Dick Chick, Chester, Wally and Lee Nelson in 1950,
The Indianapolis News April 24, 1950)

Florida’s historic courses have been the site of many exhibition matches between well-known pros. For example, in 1945, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and Harold “Jug” McSpaden played in an exhibition match at the Daytona Beach Golf Club to open the course for the winter golf season. The big three (Snead, Nelson, and Hogan) came back to the Club the next year with Jimmy Demaret and played in another exhibition match. Demaret won the match with a 63.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/daytona-beach-golf-club

(photo: Daytona Golf and Country Club, Golf Illustrated December 1925)

You're not a golfer you say? Well everyone can be a mini golfer. If you haven't discovered a love for the wide-open spaces on the links, perhaps start with a baby-step onto the Florida Historic Mini Golf Trail. Trade tees, fairways, and bunkers for windmills, dinosaurs, and more! Get your scorecard and check out these amazing Florida landmarks with fun for the whole family.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/mini/

The Eglin golf complex in Niceville has two championship courses – The Eagle (featured on the Golf Trail) and the Falcon. Did you know these course are named after the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Falcon aircraft? Makes sense, as the courses are operated by the 96th Force Support Squadron of the Eglin Air Force Base.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/eglin-golf-course/

(Image: Layout of Eglin Eagle Golf Course, Courtesy of Eglin Golf Course)

We're midway through Hispanic History Month, and if you want some history with your golf, check out the Conquistador Trails at the Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills. Set within the scenic El Campeón golf course, these eco-adventure trails stretch over a third of a mile, offering guests a journey through untouched landscapes. The easily navigable path is a great place for families to explore nature and delve into Central Florida's rich Spanish history.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/mission-resort-plus-club

(Photo: Mission Inn Resort & Club, Courtesy of Mission Inn Resort & Club)

Golf and fishing are both extremely popular sports in Florida. If you're someone who enjoys both, consider the Clewiston Golf Course. This spot allows visitors to enjoy the renowned bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee and still have time to enjoy a relaxing game of golf with their friends all in one day. Lake Okeechobee is one of the most famous big bass lakes in Florida and is considered some of the best freshwater fishing in the United States. Covering more than 730 square miles, it is the second largest freshwater lake in the United States.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/clewiston-golf-course

(Photos: 1920's Fish Catch at Lake Okeechobee, Courtesy of the State Archives of Florida; Clewiston Golf Course 1938 Aerial, Courtesy of the University of Florida Digital Archives)

The 45th Ryder Cup gets underway today at Bethpage Black in Long Island, New York.

The Ponte Vedra Inn and Club was selected as the site of the 1939 Ryder Cup but was cancelled due to the outbreak of World War II. It would have been the first Ryder Cup to be held in Florida.

The only Ryder Cup held in Florida was the 1983 contest at PGA National Resort (Champion) in Palm Beach Gardens. The Ryder Cups for 1941, 1943, and 1945 were also cancelled due to the War, resuming in 1947 at the Portland Golf Club in Oregon.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/ponte-vedra-inn-club

The Biltmore Golf Course is the site of the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship, one of the longest standing international invitation only junior amateur golf tournaments in the world, having been played for over 60 years. The championship is a prestigious junior golf tournament for the best 18 and under players in the world. This international golf championship boasts an impressive alumni list including current professional players Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, and Brooke Henderson.

https://floridahistoricgolftrail.com/courses/biltmore-golf-course

(Photo: Biltmore Golf Course and Hotel 1925, Courtesy of State Archives of Florida)

https://juniororangebowl.org/golf