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2500 South River Road
Salem, Or 97302
(503) 363-6652
Playing golf at Salem Golf Course becomes a nature walk with
all its natural beauty. Trees line the fairways and numerous
wildlife (deer, squirrels, geese, and ducks with hawks and
osprey flying overhead) can be seen. What's the story behind
this desirable place of relaxation?
Back in 1925, local businessmen started this venture by donating
$250 each to purchase the John Hughes Land Grant to develop
a first class golf course. One man, Ercel Kay, the grandson
of the founder of Thomas Kay Woolen Mills of Salem, brought
it all together. Two hundred acres were purchased at $160
per acre including the surrounding land to prevent any housing
that would obstruct the beauty.
The first nine holes were finished in 1927, and the second
nine in 1928. On the 6th tee was a Chinese
farm. A four-acre apple orchard occupies the center
bordering on three fairways. When the golf course first opened
to the public, the green fees were 25 cents for the nine holes
and 40 cents for the full 18 holes. In 1965, son of
Ercel, and great-grandson of the Mission Mill owner, Thomas
Kay, bought the course from his father.
Over the last 75 years, the original buildings have been
remodeled and enlarged many times. The club has rebuilt most
of the greens and tees and added exten-sively to its practice
facilities. It remains today, virtually unchanged, a
semi-pri-vate facility enjoyed by the public as well as its
250 members.
Compiled and written by Shirley Herrmann
Bibliography:
Interview with Thomas Kay, great grandson of Thomas Kay,
founder of Thomas Kay Woolen Mills, 2001
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