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.

Bartow Golf Course

History

The Bartow Golf Course is located in the City of Bartow in Polk County. In 1919, Tampa engineer Harry Knight, was awarded the contract to build Bartow’s golf course on land that had been a horse pasture. The city selected Charles Howe to be the first golf professional. The course was listed at 3,130 yards with a par of 37 with fairway widths form 60 to 90 yards. A former residence on the property served as the first clubhouse.

In January 1925, an exhibition golf match was held on the course. It included Cyril Walker, the reigning U.S. Open champion, who was wintering in Winter Haven. Walker and teammate Dave Kober of the Lake Region Country Club were defeated one up on the 19th hole by Jack Strum, Bartow’s pro, and Jack Smith of Mountain Lake Golf Club.

A few months later, the citizens of Bartow approved a bond of $50,000 to purchase the holdings of the Bartow Golf Club and 100 acres adjoining the club, on which to construct an additional 9-holes. John van Kleek of the golf course architecture firm Stiles & van Kleek submitted plans to the city commission for the remodel and enlargement to 18 holes. However, in January 1926, a newspaper reported that golf architect W.D. Clark was under contract to oversee the expansion of the golf course. Later that year it was further reported that J.E. Childs, Bartow’s city manager, personally supervised the building of the greens and traps. Childs turned the completed project over the Jack Strum, the golf professional.

The new 18-hole golf course, built by the city, was officially opened on the morning of December 4, 1926 . when city manager Childs struck his tee shot nearly 200 yards off the first tee. A golf tournament was part of the opening day festivities with John J. Swearingen of Bartow winning with a score of 68.

Work on Bartow Golf Course Under Way

Bartow Golfers Put on Marathon by Moonlight

Bartow Golf Course is Almost Complete (18 Holes)

Bartow's 1st Tee and Clubhouse c1941

1941 Aerial of Bartow Golf Course

Today

The 18-hole, par-72 Bartow Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 5,200 to 6,600 yards. Known locally as the “Tow” the course is not extremely long, but locals say it is harder than it looks. Mixed with the beauty of the oak trees, the challenging greens and winding dog legs scattered with water hazards makes the “Tow” a challenge for all golfers.

2nd Green at Bartow Golf Course

14th Green at Bartow Golf Course

16th Hole at Bartow Golf Course

Bunker Shot at Bartow Golf Course

Bartow Golf Course Scorecard

Mulligan’s Bar and Restaurant at Bartow Golf Course

Local Knowledge

The Bartow golf course was built in two phases, almost a decade apart. The first 9-holes were built in 1919 and the second 9-holes in 1926. The original 9-holes were located on the west side of Idlewood Avenue and the second nine were all built on the right side of Idlewood. However, instead of keeping two separate nine, Bartow creatively, incorporated the front 9 and back 9 into both sides of Idlewood. Today, 8 holes lie on the west side and 10 holes on the east side of Idlewood.

1955 Plans Showing the Routing of the First 9 Holes

Inside the Leather

Streamsong Resort - Built upon reclaimed phosphate mining land, Streamsong Resort is located about 30 minutes south of the Bartow Golf Course. Streamsong has three world class golf courses, the Blue (designed by Tom Doak), the Red (designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw) and the Black (designed by Gil Hanse opening later in 2017) that are unlike any other golf courses in Florida. Fairways wind through decades-old towering sand dunes, lakes, and natural bunkers. These golf courses are reminiscent of the links-style courses of the British Isles and the Sand Belt of Australia.

The history of Phosphate mining in Polk County goes back over 100 years. Streamsong keeps this history alive by using old railroad ties from the mines as tee markers. The resort lobby displays the fossilized jawbone of a giant Megalodon shark that was excavated on site and one of its restaurants, P2O5, is named for the phosphate molecule. Visit Streamsong Resort for more details.