The 6th Fairway of the Omena Golf course looking east toward the sand green
Courtesy Omena Historical Society
Omena lacked for almost nothing in the 1920’s. It had “swimming, sailing, fishing, motoring, dancing, and tennis” according to an old Sunset Lodge ad. What it did not have was a golf course. Several Omena men wanted more than boats and model T cars to tinker with on warm summer afternoons. So they got permission in 1924 from John Santo, owner of a scrubby pasture between Mougeys Lake and the property line of Smiths Orchard to build one there. After the first year several others joined the effort to build a 9 hole course from the old pasture. Progress!
When finished, however, the fairways weren’t much changed from what they started with. The “greens” were packed sand kept smooth by the caddies using a stick with a board attached whenever a ball landed on it. Only 7 of the 9 holes were ever finished. It wasn’t a great golf course. But according to Paul Wellerman, who collects golf memorabilia, that wasn’t unusual for the time. It was good enough.
Makes you want to play!
The front of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad promotional brochure.
This little rustic golf course was promoted along with other golf courses along the the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroads route in a golf booklet produced in the 1900s promoting travel along the Great Lakes region of the United States using golf as its main advertising tool. They list golf courses that are “within a short distance and easily accessible” to the train stops. Omena’s Golf course is one of them.
“This season the golf grounds are in better condition than ever and much care has been given to put the courses in prime condition” they boldly stated. “One of the many charms of this golf course”, the railroad brochure goes on to say about the Omena Golf Course, “is the cool, bracing air which comes from the waters of the lake and through the pine forest.” They go on to say, “It gives exhilaration to the players and makes the game more fascinating.” Makes you just want to play right now, doesn’t it?
Typical of the dress of golfers of the 1920’s: Knickers, long sox, and hair parted down the middle.
Abandoned
Omena’s golf course was abandoned in 1929 after just five years, and became overgrown with Sumac, Aspen and wild strawberries.
At some point gravel was excavated from the site leaving it pretty barren. The present owner, Omena Woods Association, has attempted to plant prairie plants there with a little success. It will never be a golf course again. Gradually Mother Nature is reclaiming the land.
There are 3 public and one private golf courses nearby now. Omena’s Golf Course is just a memory.