Featured Golf Course
In this section learn more about the history of the course and its hometown, see a selection of historic and current images of the course, learn about what the course is like today, and discover nearby historic sites.
Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
History
The Arcadia Municipal Golf Course is located in the City of Arcadia in DeSoto County. Not long after the city was founded, Arcadians began insisting that the city build a golf course in order to attract more tourists. Spearheaded by A.C. Polk, in 1917, the Arcadia Golf and Auto Club was organized and received support from Albert W. Gilchrist, Florida’s 20th Governor and golf enthusiast. Gilchrist offered a long term lease, free of charge, on land that he owned, for the construction of a 9-hole golf course. However, the golf course was never built due in part to World War I. In 1919, Arcadians again took up the matter of the golf course. The Golf Club enlisted the services of Harry Cowie to design the 9-hole layout. They began construction in the fall of 1922, and on that Christmas Day, several matches were played on the course to celebrate its official opening, though only a few holes were open. All nine holes were completed in 1923. In 2001, the City added another nine holes and renovated the existing golf course.
Organize to Build Arcadia Golf Links
Arcadia Plans a Golf Course
Crowds Open Arcadia Links
Golf Professional Harry Cowie c1918
Arcadia Completes Nine Holes of Its New Golf Course
1943 Aerial of Arcadia Golf Course
2000-2001 Plans for the Addition of Nine Holes
Today
The 18-hole, par-72 Arcadia Municipal Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 4,500 to 5,900 yards. The course has open fairways and sloping greens with Bermuda grass.
Current Routing of Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
No. 4 Green at Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
No. 5 Tee at Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
No. 7 Green Looking Toward No.8 Tee at Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
No. 12 Green at Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
Local Knowledge
Several original holes are still in use today. The original clubhouse was located between US 17 and the old railroad tracks on a side road named Douglas Avenue. To play the 9-hole golf course in its 1922 routing you will need to start on 12th hole, which was the original 1st hole; then you would play the 17th (old 2), the 3rd (old 3), the 8th (old 4th), the 2nd (old 5th), the 18th and part of the 1st (made up the old 6th), the 9th (old 7th), the 10th (the old 8th fairway is the driving range but the 10th green is the old 8th green), then you would finish on the 11th (old 9th).
Routing of the Historic Nine holes at Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
Inside the Leather
Catch a rodeo in Arcadia - Florida’s oldest rodeo is held each year in Arcadia. Top cowboy athletes from all over the nation compete to advance to national finals. The Arcadia rodeo began in 1928 when the American Legion needed to raise money to help pay for a new building. A local businessman who was a member of the American Legion, asked prominent rancher, Zeb Parker if a rodeo could be held for this purpose. Mr. Parker agreed, and offered to furnish the livestock for free. A non-profit organization, the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo was established in 1952 by the Arcadia Rodeo Association, which evolved from the group of American Legion Members who held the first rodeo in 1929. Visit Arcadia Rodeo for more details.
Quadrille - Square Dancing on Horseback
Mutton Bustin at the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
Team Roping at the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
Barrel Racing at the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
Steer Wrestling at the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
Bull Riding at the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
1975 Bull Riding at the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
Visit - Contact
Arcadia Municipal Golf Course
1769 NE Livingston Street
Arcadia, Florida 34266
1769 NE Livingston Street
Arcadia, Florida 34266
View the Website
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
863.494.4223