Tarpon Springs Golf Course Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

TALLAHASSEE –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Tarpon Springs Golf Course has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of June. The Tarpon Springs Golf Course is located in the city of Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County.

 “We are pleased to feature the historic Tarpon Springs Golf Course as a partner of the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “This golf course and the City of Tarpon Springs have a deep history in our state and are tied to the legacy and heritage of Florida’s Greek community and the sponge industry in our state.”

 In 1912, a golf club was organized and construction of golf links was begun. The city of Tarpon Springs hired W.D. Leith, from Edinburgh, Scotland, to supervise the work of putting the finishing touches on the course.  In 1926, the golf course architectural firm of Wayne Stiles & John Van Kleek were retained to completely rebuild the existing 9-hole course and add nine more holes.

 The 18-hole, par-72 Tarpon Springs Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 5,100 to 6,200 yards. As with many of the courses designed at that time, Tarpon Springs features many holes that make it play longer than the actual length, and small elevated greens. The course is owned and operated by the City of Tarpon Springs for the golfing enjoyment of the public.

 “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 108 years of public golf in the great City of Tarpon Springs than being the featured course of the month on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Golf Course Manager Howard Hunt. “We look forward to hosting golfers on our newly renovated greens on their next visit to Tarpon Springs Golf Course.”

 For more information about the Tarpon Springs Golf Course or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program visit Tarpon Springs Golf Course or Florida Historic Golf Trail or Facebook.com/FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.

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 About The Florida Historic Golf Trail

Florida's golf history, recognized as one of the oldest in the nation, dates back to the 1890s when a number of early courses were created along with the development of railroads and hotels in the state. The Florida Historic Golf Trail is a collection of more than 50 historic, publicly accessible golf courses throughout the state that can still be played on today.Through the Florida Historic Golf Trail, golfers can play on courses designed by world-class architects and played by famous golfers such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Babe Zaharias, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.  Information about the history and current day contact information for each partner course can be found at FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com.  Find the historic course near you and Come Play on History!

 About The Division of Historical Resources

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The director of DHR serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus or major program areas: archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information, visit flheritage.com.