Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Wedgewood Golf Club, located in the City of Lakeland in Polk County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of March.
“We are pleased to feature the Wedgewood Golf Club as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “Since its opening in 1931, this course has hosted some of golf’s greatest players.”
Image Courtesy of Jack Collins
The Club is located on the former site of the National Home of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Construction of the golf course began in 1929. The golf course officially opened on January 1, 1931, with Charles W. Howe as the professional in charge. In 1983, the course reopened after a year’s worth of redesign by Lakeland golf course architect Ron Garl.
Today, the 18-hole, par-70 golf course features three sets of tees playing from 4,800 to 6,400 yards. The layout has plenty of sand, water and trees, and creates a terrific challenge for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
“We are excited and honored to be featured this month on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Sun Shin, President of Wedgewood Golf Club. “Wedgewood’s history dates back to the 1920s. The course has hosted golf legends like Hogan, Sarazen, Snead and Bobby Jones as well as Arnie Palmer. Redesigned by Florida architect Ron Garl, this course is still challenging to all levels of players.”
For more information about the Wedgewood Golf Club or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program, visit Wedgewood Golf Club , Florida Historic Golf Trail or Facebook.com/FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.
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.
