One of the many causalities of the economic collapse is and will be golf courses.  Golf is a game many play for leisure, when they're not cursing themselves.  Which means for most to play they will be spending some hard-earned dough and forgo other needs.  As in any other market or industry, some businesses (courses) will not stay open into 2010.

This blog has talked many times about how golfers can follow in the footsteps of golf legends by playing the courses they've played, like St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, etc.  However, these statements are not exactly accurate.  There are many courses which have been conceived, designed, funded, opened, played and closed, sometimes with a short life span.  An article in the Chicago Tribune by Robert Channick brings to light one course with a rich history and short existence, The Mill Road Farm Golf Club.

In the 1920's Robert Laskar, a very successful Chicagoan, financed the building of the course mostly because he was denied membership to many of the local private clubs.  His new club's membership was extremely limited.  The course over the next 10 years would be considered one of the best in the country by the likes of Bobby Jones and Gene Sarazen.  In 1942, the course would be closed and forgotten.  This past winter, 30 Lake Forest College students were able to map out 10 holes of the original layout even finding some bunkers.  A special 2-hour tour was given this past weekend, where those of us interested in the deep history of golf could wander the fairways of years gone by.

This is only one example of 100's of courses which have suffered a similar fate.  If you'd be interested in learning more about other courses which are gone and mostly forgotten, pick up the book, "The Missing Links:  America's Greatest Lost Golf Courses and Holes" by Daniel Wexler.

Be Well!