Florida Caverns Golf Club in Marianna Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that Florida Caverns Golf Club, located in the city of Marianna in Jackson County, has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of September.

“We are pleased to feature Florida Caverns Golf Club as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “Located in one of Florida’s most unique state parks, the Caverns course is filled with beauty and history.”

Image Courtesy of Florida Caverns Golf Club

In February 1938, State Forester and Park Executive Harry Lee Baker brought in golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., who, upon inspection, indicated he was pleased with the proposed location of the golf course in the state park. In August 1938, $50,000 was approved by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt for the construction of an 18-hole golf course on property adjoining the newly constructed Florida Caverns State Park.

The state provided an additional $48,700 to bring the project to Marianna at no cost to the city’s citizens. When work began on the golf course later that year, news reports credited Arthur Ham with the design. Ham reportedly worked for the legendary golf course architect Donald Ross. Nearly 100 Works Progress Administration workers were hired for ten months to complete the Florida Caverns Golf Club. Nine holes were opened by March of 1939 and the entire course opened by July of that year. By the late 1940s, nine holes were abandoned for unknown reasons.

Today, the Florida Caverns Golf Club includes a 9-hole, par-36 golf course featuring five sets of tees playing from 4,800 to 6,400 yards, set in beautiful rolling terrain.

“We feel honored to be selected as the featured course of the month for the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Matt Rivers, General Manager of the Florida Caverns Golf Club. “The Caverns is an experience second to none. It is a step back into what old Florida courses were like, where you play right along with deer, wild turkeys and all sorts of wildlife. The moment you hit the first tee you begin to experience this rustic and majestic course, and with newly sodded greens you are sure to enjoy the Florida Caverns Golf Club!”

For more information about the Florida Caverns Golf Club, click here. To learn more about the Florida Historic Golf Trail, visit floridahistoricgolftrail.com or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.

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About The Florida Historic Golf Trail

Florida's golf history, recognized as one of the oldest in the nation, dates back to the late 1800s when a number of early courses were created along with the development of railroads and hotels in the state. The Florida Historic Golf Trail is a collection of more than 50 historic, publicly accessible golf courses throughout the state that can still be played on today. Through the Florida Historic Golf Trail, golfers can play on courses designed by world-class architects and played by famous golfers such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Babe Zaharias, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Information about the history and current day contact information for each partner course can be found at FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com. Find the historic course near you and Come Play on History!

About The Division of Historical Resources

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state's traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division Director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information visit flheritage.com.