Fort Myers Country Club Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that Fort Myers Country Club has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of July. The Fort Myers Country Club is located in the City of Fort Myers in Lee County.

“We are pleased to feature the historic Fort Myers Country Club as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “One hundred years ago, the city hired legendary golf architect Donald Ross to design this course and begin construction of the 18 hole golf course that you can still play today.”

From wild and humble beginnings with grounds covered in pine trees and palmettos, an 18-hole golf course was constructed in 1916. Designed by legendary golf architect Donald Ross, the course was built under the supervision of Ross’s longtime associate, James B. McGovern. The course was officially completed in November of 1917.

The golf course at Fort Myers Country Club, known locally as “The Fort,” completed a major renovation in 2014. After nearly 100 years, this was only the second significant renovation undertaken since the course opened in 1917. 

Today, the Fort Myers Country Club includes an 18-hole par-70/71 golf course featuring six sets of tees playing from 4,300 to 6,600 yards, and presents the same character and challenges as Ross’s original layout. Walking is permitted around the course at any time of the day, every day of the year. The Fort is truly a course for the ages.

“The Fort Myers Country Club is honored to be chosen as the July featured facility,” said Richard Lamb, Director of Golf at Fort Myers Country Club. “The Fort is a classic Donald Ross course spearheaded by Fort Myers residents Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Enjoy a walk through history at the Fort."

Image Courtesy of Fort Myers Country Club

For more information about the Fort Myers Country Club or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program visit Fort Myers Country Club, 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. 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.