Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Granada Golf Course, located in the City of Coral Gables in Miami-Dade County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of April.
“We are pleased to feature the Granada Golf Course as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “This golf course is the oldest operating nine hole course in Florida, and has been a part of the city of Coral Gables since its founding.”
Image Courtesy of Jack Collins
George E. Merrick, a visionary developer, who by 1921 had amassed 3,000 acres of undeveloped land on the outskirts of Miami, set out to create a planned community he called “The City Beautiful” – Coral Gables. As part of that vision, construction of the Coral Gables 9-hole golf course began in 1922. The course was initially built for the residents of Coral Gables and designed under the personal supervision of William Langford of the golf architectural firm of Langford and Moreau. On January 15, 1923, the headlines from the Miami News read “FORE! The Coral Gables Golf Course Opens Today.”
The 9-hole, par-36, Granada Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 1,600 to 3,000 yards. Owned and operated by the City of Coral Gables, Granada Golf Course is the perfect place for residents, visitors and beginners alike, and Granada’s members take great pride in their facility.
“The City of Coral Gables is honored and proud to have Granada Golf Course chosen as April’s featured course for the Florida Historic Golf Trail” said Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Director Fred Couceyro. “The course holds a special place in our city’s history as the oldest continuously operating 9-hole course in the state of Florida. With newly renovated greens, tees and fairways, Granada Golf Course provides a wonderful golf experience for the entire family. As a municipal course that provides affordable access to golf, our mission is to create positive memorable life experiences for all of our visitors.”
For more information about the Granada Golf Course or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program, visit Granada Golf Course, 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.
