Appanoose Country Club starts 109th year

The Appanoose Country Club will open for its 109th season on Thursday, March 26. The Country Club has a long history of being a center of golfing and social activities for the Centerville area.

The idea for a golf course was first put together by a group of 14 men and women in 1901. The original site was laid out in one evening at the old fairgrounds in what was then called Agricultural Park, located north of Franklin and west of 18th Street. They only played at the park for one month and soon decided with all the horse races and fair activities held there conflicts would be common. So they moved the course to Lane Heights where it stayed until 1912.

In 1912 the course was moved to Glen Hagan Park along the interurban railroad. The first clubhouse was built there that same year and many players would take the train to the course to play. All of the first courses used sand greens.

In 1915, 41 acres of land at the present location was purchased for $100 an acre and the club was officially moved in 1916. The present clubhouse was constructed in 1923 at a cost of $13,500 plus $1,500 for plumbing and wiring. In the early 60s the outdoor porch was enclosed with all weather glass. New cart sheds were started in 2001 and completed in 2004. The greens on holes 2, 6 and 7 were rebuilt in the early 70’s.

Improvements to the course and clubhouse continue on a regular basis. In 2008 upgrades to the bar and porch area were completed and the bar itself was renovated.

The first golf cart at the club was presented to Dr. Donahue in 1958 by club members and his patients. This golf cart was the first one seen in the Centerville area and people would drive out to the club just to get a look at that famous golf cart.

Over the years Centerville has produced many outstanding golfers including several who have played on major college golf teams. The best known golfer would have been Chase Fannon, the son of long time school superintendent E. W. Fannon. Chase was a three time city champion while in high school, was the Big Ten Champion at Northwestern and then was tragically killed in an air training accident in World War II.

The Carney family has produced numerous outstanding golfers including long time club members Clyde and Virginia. All three of their children (Jo, Jim and Mike) became city champions. Jim and Mike went on to play college golf and Mike’s daughter, Kelly, played at the University of Iowa.

The record for the most men’s championships is held by Bob Valentine with 15. He is followed by Brad Young with nine. For the women Georgia Conner is the leader with 13 followed by Gerry Krsnak with nine. The defending champions going into this season are Jonathan Mathews for the men, Peggy Elliott for the women and Steve Wehrle for the senior division.

The Country Club still offers many recreational opportunities for local golfers. Women’s day is every Wednesday, men’s day is every Thursday and every Friday is couples league. Several tournaments are held during the year including the club championships and this year an old favorite, the Sole Survivor, will return. There are golfing opportunities for the young golfer including an adult-youth tournament over Labor Day. Memberships are available and season passes for golf carts may be purchased. Cart storage sheds may be rented, as well as golf clubs for those wishing to give the game a try.

The Club remains one of the most scenic spots in the county for special occasions and is available for rent for weddings, receptions, reunions, luncheons and any other special event. Anyone who is interested in memberships or club rental for special occasions should call Karen Coatney at (641) 437-2241 or (641) 856-2222 or Ron Clark at (641) 856-8205 or (641) 895-1836.

The dining room, called “The Greens,” is open to the public and offers buffets for Sunday dinner as well as Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

All of the information in this article about the history of the club was provided by long time Centerville resident Lyle Kesterson who has been doing research on the club for the past several years in preparation for publication of a book about the Appanoose County Country Club. It should be available for purchase in the near future.