Mount Dora Golf Club Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that Mount Dora Golf Club, located in the city of Mount Dora in Lake County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of November.

“As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 and honor those who have served in the United States military, we are pleased to feature the historic Mount Dora Golf Club as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “Built by returning WWII veterans, the Mount Dora Golf Club is a living memorial to all veterans and members of the Armed Forces.”

Image Courtesy of Mount Dora Golf Club

The Mount Dora Golf Association was formed in 1945 when G.I.s returning from WWII petitioned the city of Mount Dora for a golf course. The city agreed to lease 80 acres along the Orange County line for this purpose. Using mule power and a bulldozer, these men crafted the first nine holes.

On December 15, 1946, the first ball was hit by Willard Wadsworth, President of the Mount Dora Golf Association. The city gave the new golf course an unused traffic kiosk for the first pro shop. Nine holes were added in 1959 and the present clubhouse was built in the 1960s.

Today, the Mount Dora Golf Club includes an 18-hole, par-70 golf course featuring four sets of tees playing from 4,400 to 5,700 yards. Billed by the Club as "The Longest 5,700 yards in Florida," this golf course with varied elevation manages the difficult task of challenging serious players while helping rookies relax as they learn this classic game.

“The Mount Dora Golf Club is proud to be selected as the featured course of the month for the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Bob Schmitz, President of the Mount Dora Golf Association. “The Mount Dora Golf Club offers special rates for veterans, currently $20 for 18 holes including tax and cart 365 days a year, as well as very resonable rates for all other golfers. All guest golfers enjoy the warm and welcoming hospitality of our local member golfers. We invite you to come play and experience the charm of ‘The Old Course’ and the city of Mount Dora.”

For more information about the Mount Dora Golf Club, click here. To learn more about the Florida Historic Golf Trail, visit floridahistoricgolftrail.com or find us on Facebook at 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 late 1800s 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.