The City of Dunedin is giving a much needed boost to an historic landmark.
- City to improve Dunedin's historic golf club
- Dunedin Golf Club once known for famous players
- Membership has drastically dwindled
- City hopes to improve clubhouse, course to draw players
The Dunedin Golf Club has been home to golfers since the 1920s. The city has recently purchased the clubhouse at the golf club.
They hope to bring more players to the once famous greens.
The golf club was designed by famous golf architect Donald Ross and opened in 1927. For years the golf club reigned as home of the PGA of America—drawing in some of the most famous players in history.
Board of Directors President Steve Lowther said the course was so popular that the wait to get in lasted for months.
“This flag pole, people would drive by and see it at half-mast and know that somebody might have passed and that a membership would be open at the club. So they would come and see where they were on the list,” Lowther said.
The club’s membership is now barely half of what it used to be, but the City of Dunedin is hoping to turn that around.
The city already owns the golf course itself, but has purchased the rest of the property, including the clubhouse.
The move will save the club about $120,000 a year in mortgage, insurance, and utility costs.
Lowther said the money saved will go towards marketing, clubhouse renovations, and improvements to the course.
“Right now, as you can see, the course is in excellent condition. We’re in the summer growing season. I would like for us to have the ability to keep it in this condition all year long and be able to fund it through the winter time,” Lowther said.
Hopefully those changes will draw more players to the course.
The purchase of the clubhouse also includes the pro shop and cart barn.