Florida Historic Golf Trail Celebrates Preservation50

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner, in celebration of Preservation50, the nationwide initiative commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, recognizes the significance and preservation of Florida’s golf heritage through the Florida Historic Golf Trail during the month of October 2016.

“Partner courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail are the result of some of the earliest economic development and tourism efforts in our state,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner.  “Florida’s golf history is recognized as one of the oldest in the nation, and even today these historic courses continue to provide recreational opportunities fundamental to Florida’s heritage and economic growth. I encourage all Floridians to celebrate Preservation50 by visiting one or more of these historic golf courses throughout the state, and share their story with us on social media using #Preservation50.”

The Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) established programs such as the National Register of Historic Places, for the recognition and protection of cultural and architectural landmarks and destinations. Enacted after the destruction of numerous buildings and sites in the years following World War II, the NHPA encourages Americans to identify and preserve our nation’s cultural and historic resources.

The Florida Historic Golf Trail was established in 2014 to recognize and celebrate the preservation of courses significant to Florida’s early golf heritage. The trail features publicly accessible golf courses throughout the state that golfers can still play on today. While some of the courses on the Trail have been modified through the years, others have retained much of their historic character. Today, three partner courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail are on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1999, the 9-hole Winter Park Golf Course became the first Florida golf course to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, followed in 2012 by the Temple Terrace Golf Course near Tampa, and in 2014, by the Dunedin Isles Golf Club. Partner golf course properties such as the Winter Park Clubhouse, the Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg, and the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At each of these sites, golf has been played for more than a half century.

Florida’s theme for the Preservation50 initiative, “There’s a Story Here,” speaks to the history and culture that surrounds our historical sites and objects. Historic partner courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail have many stories to tell, from the famous golf course architects like Donald Ross, Seth Raynor and Herbert Strong, who were hired to design and build them, to some of the sport’s most famous players who have walked their fairways such as Bobby Jones, Babe Didrickson Zaharias, Gene Sarazen and the late Arnold Palmer. 

Come Play on History! Learn about the courses on the Florida Historic Golf Trail by requesting your free copy of the 76 page Florida Historic Golf Trail Heritage Trail publication. It's free and chock full of information about our partner courses and the history of golf in our state. To keep up with the latest news about events at our partner courses throughout the state. Go online to visit our website at Florida Historic Golf Trail and on Facebook at @Floridahistoricgolftrail. Visit one of the historic courses, explore their history and share your story on social media using #Preservation50.

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About Preservation50 

Preservation50 is a national initiative celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966. The Act laid the groundwork for programs and procedural protections that are fundamental to preservation efforts. These include the National Register of Historic Places, Certified Local Governments, Section 106 Review Process, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Historic Preservation Fund. The Act also established state and tribal historic preservation programs, with Historic Preservation Officers who serve in each state to preserve our nation’s cultural and historic resources. In Florida, the Division of Historical Resources within the Florida Department of State is responsible for conducting these historic preservation programs, and has joined this national effort recognizing and celebrating the impact of the National Historic Preservation Act.

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. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state's traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division director 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, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information visit flheritage.com.