Marshfield Country Club is established

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

Leonhardt

Before there was a Hefko Pool or a YMCA, Blodgett’s Pond was the popular spot for Marshfield children to go during brutally hot summer days.

While its location on the west side of town became a popular hangout for young children, Marshfield businessmen had much bigger plans for the property in August 1922.

Though golf’s history dates back to the 15th century, manicured courses with detailed layouts did not reach America until the 1800s. By 1922 golf associations had been established, and many golf courses dotted the landscape.

The country club was a sign of an established, thriving city, and municipalities were eager to gain that status. Marshfield was among them.

The land nearby the pond made it an ideal location for local men to establish a private country club close to the city.

After the articles of incorporation were drawn up, the group began to work on the layout of the country club. The course was designed by golf professional Joe Sturm out of Wisconsin Rapids and was originally planned as a nine-hole course with a par-33 layout.

Nearly one year later, the first round of golf was played on the Marshfield Country Club.

That same year, adjustments were made to the course, adding 100 yards to holes one and two and 250 yards to holes five and six.

In those days a golf membership to the country club cost $75.

When the Depression hit in the 1930s, many Americans went without. What was not a necessity was not needed. Many entertainment venues closed during this time, and the Marshfield Country Club was not exempt.

The American Legion later purchased the property and ran the country club for a few years. From there the business changed hands multiple times before being purchased by Darrell Acker.

Acker had been a PGA golf pro at the Stevens Point Country Club before making the leap into business for himself.

In the 1970s the Acker family bought what had previously been known as the C.E. Blodgett farm and expanded the course, making it an 18-hole, par-70 course, with Acker designing the course himself.

The Marshfield Country Club remains in the Acker family today.