This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/22/2013
A fascinating look into the formation of a pre-1900's golf course. It was Rock Island Arsenal(Military Base)Commandant Captain Stanhope E. Blunt and his fellow officers who brought the game of Golf to the Quad Cities area when they arrived in March of 1897. A petition was placed to the War Department for part of the surrounding Arsenal grounds to be used for a golf course. This area swelled from a five hole to nine hole course, and was ready for its first official round on July 24, 1897. This event was played by Commandant Blunt, other Army Officers and civilian dignitaries and was covered by the local Illinois newspaper(Moline Daily Dispatch)as follows in an article titled "The Game of Golf", "There is a prospect that a taste for this open-air sport may become, in some degree popular in this part of the country." By September 1897 interest had grown to such level that the first Rock Island Golf Tournament was staged. Spectators followed in carriages from hole to hole along the nine hole course playing at 2,765 yards and running along the Mississippi River. Offered for your consideration in this lot is the first formal documents produced by this club in January,1898 titled Rock Island Arsenal "Officers,Constitution,Rules". This offering still remains in Excellent condition with strong spine. Contained in this publication are the first sketched layout of the nine holes which were named River, Dial,Long, Glade, Barracks, Hill, Pond, Meadow and Home.Also of interest are the committee responsibilities of the day including-In Charge of Course, In Charge of Matches and Competition and the ever important Handicapping Committee. This club out of its humble beginnings would continue to develop as the top course in the Rock Island, Davenport and Moline area. This was evident when a fire destroyed the locker room in 1905 a new five figure, in cost, clubhouse was built and described in the local newspaper,"as fine as any in Chicago". This wonderful early look at Midwestern golf in the 1800's is sure to enhance any advanced golf library.