Clewiston Golf Course Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Clewiston Golf Course, located in the city of Clewiston in Hendry County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of May.

During National Historic Preservation Month, we are pleased to feature the Clewiston Golf Course as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “Historically known as America's Sweetest Town, the city of Clewiston and its municipal golf course have kept their charm and beauty through nearly a century of growth and development.”

Image Courtesy of Rees Milikin

In 1928, the city of Clewiston commissioned the golf course architectural firm of Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek to design an 18-hole golf course. Captain F. Deane Duff was in charge of the construction. Built on previously flat land, the original design included water hazards, rolling greens and one tee box that was more than 20 feet high. Construction began in 1929, and the first nine holes formally opened in February of 1930. The location of the second nine holes was still being used at that time as the city’s aviation field. The golf course remained a 9-hole course until the 1960s when the city decided to add an additional 9-holes.

Today, the 18-hole, par 72 Clewiston Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 3,800 to 6,400 yards. Golfers can enjoy the same beautiful scenery and challenges golfers experienced in the 1930's.

“The community of Clewiston is so proud of our little gem, the Clewiston Golf Course, and being added to the Florida Historic Golf Trail in 2016,” said Robbie Rush, Golf Professional at Clewiston Golf Course. “Because we are located on the southwest end of Lake Okeechobee you can double your pleasure with a golf and fishing adventure. Playing on our amazing greens and catching big bass, it doesn’t get better than that. Clewiston Golf Course is public, so everyone is welcome.”

For more information about the Clewiston Golf Course, 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.