On Dec. 7th, 1972 a meeting was held at the American Legion Home to discuss the possibility of developing plans for a 9 hole golf course.
Seven interested persons volunteered to be on the organizing committee. They were M.J. Wiersema, Henry Kiefer, Del Curley, Robert Lockhart, Jan Mitchell, Al DenBesten and Maurice Bolhous. This group was approved to serve until the first annual meeting of the organization.
Officers elected were: Maurice Wiersema, Pres., Al DenBesten, V. Pres., Del Curley, Treas., and Maurice Bolhous, Sec.
Those people attending the organizational meeting were encouraged to urge other people to join our club to be known as the Fulton Golf Club.
The architect estimated a cost of $130,000.00 to construct the golf course and the board voted to proceed on Feb. 28, 1973. An amendment was passed to name the organization the Fulton Country Club and that it be a private club.
Club memberships were set at $125 for family, $100 for a single man, $75 for a single woman and $25 for juniors. 200 paid memberships by April 15, 1973 were needed before architect's contracts could be signed.
On March 21, 1973, Jim Shipma volunteered as a consultant on well installation, pumps and sewer problems.
A loan of $65,000.00 for 1 year @ 7.5% interest was procured from Fulton State Bank in April of 1973 and land was bought with a loan from Fulton State Bank for $25,000.00 and a check for $664.58.
In May of 1973 there were 115 paid members.
Between May and August of 1973 work progressed on a well, pump house, electrical, parking lot, fencing, tool shed, bunkers, road and clubhouse design.
John Gavelys was hired as the first superintendent on Oct. 24, 1973 at a salary of $8000.00 with utilities and land available at course for a mobile home.
The first annual meeting was held at the Legion Hall on Nov. 29, 1973. The first elected board of directors were, Henry Kiefer, M.J. Wiersema, Del Curley, Jan Mitchell, Fred Berg, Bob Larson, Lyle Henderson, Dom Sheridan and Dwight Wiersema.
After a delay in construction, the footings for the clubhouse were poured Jan 14, 1974.
Charter memberships were closed April. 1, 1974. Membership fees were increased to $150.00.
By April 8, 1974 there were 202 A members, 12 B members and 5 Jr. members. And, by July there were 241 Class A members.
Dug Brondyke had the first Hole-in-One and his name was to be engraved on the new plaque.
And Most Recently ---
From those dedicated individuals Fulton Country Club has grown into a club of some 350 family memberships today. It is a private club, but guests are welcome to play with a member.
The course and clubhouse sits on approximately 65 to 70 acres of basically flat sandy soil. It has grown more mature over the years with many trees lining the fairways, in just the right places. This 9 hole layout may, at first glance, appear to be an simple course, but if your shots are not finding the fairways then the rough, trees, and bunkers will give you a new perspective on just how difficult this course can be. Most holes are long enough that, all except the long hitters, will be playing mid to long irons into the greens. The course measures 3125 yds. from the white tees, 3210 yds. from the blue and 2890 yds. from the red. The greens are of medium size with enough undulation that your short game will be tested.
The course has a practice putting green and driving range which, during the season, is open to the public.
There is a short order restaurant that serves breakfast and lunches. The restaurant is open to the public as well as our members during the golfing season. The course is usually ready for play by April 1 of the golfing year and closes about mid November.
