Marion Golf Course, located in Marion, Massachusetts, is the only public course in the small town. While it offers low green fees, the course has a prestigious background, with a design by George C. Thomas, the architect behind courses like Riviera and Bel-Air. Despite growing up in Marion and playing both the prestigious Kittansett and Marion Golf Club, Jeremiah Daly understood the significance of having these high-quality courses in his hometown.
The Marion Golf Club was the first course designed by Thomas in 1904. Over the years, the course was maintained on a shoestring budget by Bruce and Sue Carlson, who hand-watered the greens and lived on the property. Despite its rustic charm, the course was often taken for granted as the only public course in town. Daly, who eventually went on to work in finance, always maintained his ties to Marion and its two courses.
In 2020, Daly and a friend, Michael Kane, took over the lease of Marion Golf Club after learning that the course was at risk of being converted into a park due to lack of maintenance. The duo set out on a mission to restore the course to its former glory, starting with installing irrigation systems and refining the course features. With the help of volunteers and the USGA, Marion Golf Club began to see improvements in its conditions.
The course, which had once been on the brink of closure, is now on its way to being fully restored. With unique features like old stone walls and exceptional greens, Marion Golf Club is a hidden gem for architecture enthusiasts. Despite the upgrades, the course has kept its green fees affordable, with options for single rounds or all-day play, as well as junior memberships.
Community involvement and rituals have formed around Marion Golf Club, making it a central hub for golf enthusiasts in the area. Ongoing restorations are planned to ensure that all details are true to George C. Thomas’s original design. While the course is close to breaking even financially, the focus remains on reinvesting all proceeds back into improving the course for the benefit of all players.
In conclusion, Marion Golf Club’s story is one of community spirit, preservation of golf heritage, and dedication to maintaining a space for all to enjoy. With ongoing improvements and a commitment to accessibility, this hidden gem in Marion, Massachusetts, is a testament to the power of passion and collaboration in keeping the spirit of golf alive.
