The golf course opened as a nine-hole layout in 1966 and transitioned to 18 holes in 1988, expanding its membership beyond the immediate community. In the late 1990s, the club built a new clubhouse and reaches out to families and the public through events and social activities.
This year, the Cassville (Mo.) Golf Club will be celebrating 50 years of fairways and greens, the Cassville Democrat reported.
Originally a nine-hole course in 1966 when it opened, the club transitioned to 18 holes in 1988, due to its growth and popularity. Over the years, the club has offered opportunities to both locals and visitors to enjoy the sport, hosting a variety of club competitions and fundraiser tournaments throughout the year, the Democrat reported.
“It draws folks to the area, and it’s just a place to come out and relax and have a good time for the locals,” said Club Manager Chuck Edie. “During the summer months, we get lots of guests from Roaring River State Park.”
Over a 50-year time span, a few things have changed. Bob Allen, who was on the board of directors for 12 years, said over time, he has seen the club grow in a number of ways, the Democrat reported.
“Since I moved here, it was more of a Cassville-based golf course, where it seemed like all the members were from Cassville, and everyone knew each other,” he said. “But, as things have changed, we have members from northwest Arkansas, Wheaton, Monett, Kansas City, and just a wider cross-section of membership. We also went to 18 holes in 1988, which changed it quite a bit. In the late 1990s, we built a new clubhouse.”
Allen said public interest in golf has dipped over the years, but he disagrees with the axiom that golf is the the rich man’s sport, the Democrat reported.
“We’re trying to get young families interested in the sport, and there’s a swimming pool and social activities that go on there, too,” he said. “So, you get a pretty good return on your money.”
The club hosts many events throughout the year. “They have tournaments, a club championship, a one-man scramble, there’s league golf on Monday nights, a Tuesday night group, and cat-and-dog tournaments where men and women play,” Allen said. “There’s also a very active women’s league.”
To try the game, Allen suggested tagging along with someone who plays to learn about it. One challenge, for instance, Allen said, is figuring out which club will help you win, and it’s also about self-control and focus, the Democrat reported.
“The really good players can control themselves in pressure situations,” he said. “The player Bobby Jones said, ‘The game of golf is played in the five inches between your ears.'”
Debra York, president of the Women’s Golf Club, which has been in existence as long as the golf club itself, said golf is quite popular among women. “There are women golfers and have been for years, like Nancy Lopez and others,” she said. “More men play, but the women are sure getting out there. There is also a Ladies Pro Golf Association.”
Playing the game, and amenities like a clubhouse and swimming pool, provide fun outlets for Barry County families, too, York said. “It’s a great family activity,” she said. “They [the club] is offering a junior membership, or special rate for families age 35 and under right now, so you can have a membership and afford to come out and play golf. I’m seeing a lot more younger people, which is great for the sport. Busy families all do basketball, football and softball, so this [game] can be like that.”
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