The Indian River Golf Club has a long
and fascinating history. Eighty-eight years ago, the first rounds of golf were
played at the Burt Lake Golf Club (now the Indian River Golf Club).
In 1922 construction was begun on the
Burt Lake Golf Club, the first course in the area. The original nine-hole golf
course was short and narrow and closely resembled a cow pasture. There were no
bunkers on the course and the only water hazard was a cement artesian fed pond
at the base of the current #1 tee. The northern boundary of the course was just
to the right of #4 green. White pieces of some of the original holes remain,
they have been reworked or renumbered. Chippewa Beach Road, as we know it, didn’t
exist and the road to Oak Hill cemetery went through the golf course. The original
clubhouse was located near the #2 tee.
Through the hard work and perseverance
of many members, the Indian River Golf Club grew. Additional land gifts and purchases
allowed for holes to be lengthened, new holes to be created and a larger
clubhouse built where the current clubhouse stands. As the length of the course
grew, so did the membership creating interest in expanding the course from nine
to eighteen holes. In 1983, with a gift of 66 acres to the golf club and the
creation of Link’s Estates, a second nine holes was begun and the golf course
matured into the course we have today.
Just as the golf course has undergone tremendous
changed over the years, so has the rest of the club. After the clubhouse
location was moved, several additions were added until in 1995, the old
clubhouse was torn down and the current clubhouse was built. Using land that had
been acquired for possible course expansion, the driving range was opened in
2000.
Over the last eighty-eight years, the
club has struggled in hard times and prospered in good times. Without the generosity
and hard work of members through the years, we wouldn’t be able to brag about
our course being the “Best Kept Secret in the North”. We are truly fortunate
and proud to be able to enjoy our championship eighteen-hole course.
If you haven’t visited us lately, you don’t
know what you’re missing. From our community golf tournaments to holiday
brunches you are assured of having a great time here at I.R.G.C. Memberships are
currently available and if you compare our services, golf course and dining
facilities with other area courses we know we can top your list.
Additionally, Indian River Golf Club’s
restaurant “The Greenside Grille” has a reputation of great food. We are a
full-service restaurant and bar. Join us for a great day of golf, food and
friends and see why we are the Friendliest Club in the North!
Indian River Golf Club is built around
the formation of relationships and camaraderie with friends. Fostering
friendships to enrich your lifestyle is our top priority.
We love
our Club and know you will too! We want to offer you a
“Gift of Golf.” Join the club in 2018 and receive no initiation
fees or minimums for a full year! Click the link for more information.
New
for 2018 – Intermediate Twilight Membership (limit play after 3pm and age
50 and under). This membership was created to build our evening league
play. As a member you will be eligible to play seven days a week after
3pm at no additional charge.
Returning
in 2018 – Social Golf Membership. For those wishing to
participate in our social activities and play a little golf.
For more information on memberships at
the Indian River Golf Club click on the links to the right or call Corey
Crowell, General Manager 231-238-7011.
– Story courtesy of Indian River Golf Club
