Thompson Tees Off - Subscriber

Thompson teesoff "Alabama's Golf Insider" teesoff Thompson teesoff 5.26.16 In recognition of the milestone of recently reaching my 150th issue, I'm pleased to offer a special "Lifetime" subscription offer of $100 for 10 years of issues! That's right, this special offer is available now and will mean you won't have to pay $30 annually, but rather a one-time payment of $100 for up to 10 years of issues. This option is available when you click the Subscribe Now! button. Click our Icon to Subscribe! There are not many courses in the state that can celebrate 100 years of existence, but add Woodward Golf Club in Bessemer to the short list that contains, to the best of my knowledge, just the Country Club of Birmingham, Country Club of Mobile, Montgomery Country Club and Anniston Country Club. A.H. "Rick" Woodward Sr., who died 65 years ago, impacted the citizens of Birmingham through two sports he touched deeply: baseball and golf. Woodward, who built Rickwood Field and was owner of both the park and the Birmingham Bar- ons, made his name and money in the iron making business. Rickwood Field celebrated 100 years of baseball in 2011 and, as such, is the oldest concur- rently used baseball park in existence. He also started Woodward Golf & Country Club, which originally comprised eight holes built in a cow pasture in Brighton, near Bessemer in the sum- mer of 1916. Eight holes is an unusual number, but the reason was simple enough, according to original charter Woodward Golf Club celebrates 100 years! member John H. Leonard who told long-time Birmingham News Sports Editor Alf Van Hoose: "We couldn't find a location for a ninth green" on the land previously used by the owners of milk cows. Originally built by Mr. Woodward for the enjoyment and benefit of his employees at Wood- ward Iron Company, it is the oldest golf club at its original location in Jefferson County. It began with around 80 members and was first called the Em- ployees Club (of Woodward Iron Company). Leonard was elected president of the club and, among other things, found a location for the ninth green: close to the clubhouse and approximately where the practice putting green was found in 1960. World War I changed things and shortly thereaf- ter the course reorganized under its current name. In 1920 a clubhouse was built (it was designed by George E. Denham, architect of Woodward Company and a club member, and came in at double the original $5000 estimate!) and the

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