Course History

The storied history of The Peninsula State Park Golf Course began as early as 1909, and the first 6 holes of the golf course opened in 1917. The course was expanded to 9 Holes just a few years later (in 1923), and in 1931 opened with all 18 Holes. Enjoy the information timeline below for some very important dates that brought us to where we are today.

Timeline

Year	Event
1909	Wisconsin paid $100,000 for land for Peninsula State Park.
1914	1st Park Supt authorized to build two 9-hole courses in Park. Ephraim course started. Fish Creek started, plans abandoned.
1917	Ephraim Men's Club manages new 6-hole golf course; called it "Door County Country Club".
1923	9-hole course opened; "sand and oil greens".
1925	First Resorters' Tournament held.
1927	Memorial Pole (between 1st and 9th fairways) erected; many Potowatomi Indians attend dedication.
1929-30	Second 9 holes designed and built.
1931	Chief Onanguisse Kahquados buried on course just north of Memorial Pole - stone marker nearby.
1931	18-hole course (5000 yards) opened.
1941	Green fees $1 for 18 holes - no carts available.
1948	Pull carts introduced to course players.
1949	Beer sales end at clubhouse.
1954	New clubhouse built - first one was a granary!
1960s	Course redesigned; Hole #5 across Hwy. 42 eliminated.
1960s-70s	Course operational but conditions poor.
1970	Memorial Pole replaced - pine laminate replica.
1981	Ad Hoc Committee formed to save golf course convinces Wisconsin Gov. Lee Dreyfus and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to allow them to run golf course.
1982	Peninsula Golf Associates, Inc (PGA, Inc) formed to manage golf course. First lease for operations signed with DNR.
1983	PGA, Inc Board members each gave personal guarantees of $5000 to finance course - wives called them crazy! PGA, Inc hires first manager.
1989	Clubhouse expanded and improved.
1997	PGA, Inc goes into debt for irrigation system; DNR paid half.
1998	Lease agreement with DNR extended to 2009.
2002	Debt for irrigation system paid in full!
2004	PGA, Inc. becomes a 501c-3 organization. Tax exempt donations sought for improvements.
2006	PGA, Inc starts fiscal year without a loan!
2007	PGA, Inc Celebrates its 25th Anniversary!
2008	Building improvements project begun with phased upgrades.
2009	Agreement with DNR extended to 2019 for PGA, Inc. to manage and operate golf course. Season opens with improved clubhouse facilities.
2010	Continued upgrades of clubhouse maintenance and 10th tee facilities.
2014	Opening of our Beautiful 6 Hole Short Course for play.