During the summer of 1972, the University’s nine-hole golf course was expanded to 18 holes in order to increase the University’s golf instructional and recreational facilities.
The original nine-hole golf course was constructed in the early 1960’s with plans to later expand to an 18 hole course. Discussion of adding another nine holes to the course began in the spring of 1971 between Robert Dudley, golf course manager, and A
thletic Director Dick Young. According to Dudley, expanding the course to 18 holes was the only way to increase revenue without drastically increasing the price per round. The idea was discussed with Vice President for Public Services James Hof and University President Hollis A. Moore. A committee was then formed that acquired counseling services from the U.S. Golf Association and U.S. Golf Foundation. H. G. Hassenplug, a golf architect from Pittsburgh, PA heard about the idea and volunteered to help. After a presentation to the Board of Trustees, consent was given during a board meeting on August 31, 1972 to move forward with the project and secure bids.
At the time the typical construction rate for a nine-hole golf course was between $200,000 and $400,000. However, because the University already owned the additional land, and had the electrical power and water required for the expansion, the project only cost $127,999. The golf course addition was operational by the summer of 1973.
A little known fact is that in order to construct the additional 18 holes, the University and the Ohio Highway Department agreed to trade land. When Interstate 75 was constructed, it cut through University owned property. Rather than constructing an underpass to connect to the University’s land on the opposite side of I-75, the University and the Ohio Highway Department agreed to swap land. The University acquired land north of Poe Road and the Highway Department acquired the land on the other side of I-75. This allowed the University to keep the course expansion on the West side of I-75.
For more information about the History of Recreation and Wellness, visit our website.
Learn more about the Forrest Creason Golf Course hours, prices and specials for this summer.