Written by Robert Rich

A Brief History of Carlowden Country Club

THE LATER YEARS

Carlowden has been a member of the Northern New York Golf Association since 1934, when the Association staged its first annual six-man tournament at Canton. Carlowden was host to the tournament in 1936, 1946, 1954, 1962 and 1970.
The 1946 event marked the resumption of the annual classic after a three-year suspension in World War II . Members of the Carlowden team that year were Fred Ballard (son of charter member Harry Ballard and a member of the original Carlowden team in 1934), Charles Hirschey, Leo Patten, Merwyn Williams, Dick Farney and Bob Ferguson.
Carlowden won its only championship in the 1954 tournament, which also saw the only playoff in the history of the Association. That was back in the days when all 36 holes were played in one day. After Carlowden and Malone had finished in a tie at the end of regulation play, Carlowden went on to score a “sudden death” victory in a 12-man “gangsome” on the 39th hole, where automobile headlights were used to illuminate the green.
Carlowden’s championship team included Fred Ballard (again!), Joe Stick, Tom Petrucelli, Bud Steinbrenner, Herb Wymore and Henry Gilbert.
Carlowden had only 115 members in 1936, but three years later the roster was up to 160.
Jim Butler was one of the first three golfers to score a hole-in-one on Carlowden’s third hole (then No. 5). The others were the Rev. Daniel Herron and Stanley D. Hall, Sr. Leon F. Marilley became the fourth to achieve an ace on the 145-yard hole, on Sept. 18, 1947. His golfing companions were Jim Butler and the Emory Jones.
Dr. George L. Rook and the James E. Thompson set some kind of a record when they played golf at Carlowden on the 15th of JANUARY in 1950!
The pumphouse was destroyed by fire June 2, 1950.... A Northern New York Open was staged at Carlowden in August, 1953, when famous pros Jim Demaret and Jack Burke played an exhibition here. Demaret shot a 72, Burke a 73.
The Jones-Marilley trophy for women was established in 1956.... That was the year Henry Rigabar became our steward, a position in which he continued for 10 years.
The practice tee and fairway, and the practice green in front of the clubhouse were introduced in 1960... .A major clubhouse expansion and remodeling project was completed in 1961-62 at a cost of $35,000... .Our road was conveyed to the Town of Denmark Jan. 26, 1962.
The drilling of a second well was authorized by the directors on Sept. 28,1964.... John Turnbull became our treasurer in April, 1965... .The No. 4 green (then No. 6) was rebuilt starting in September, 1969. . . . In September, 1971, the club was said to have a net worth of $279,000... .On Jan. 11, 1973, the directors voted a membership ceiling of 300.
Today, Carlowden looks back on a colorful and interesting history. Our problems, such as they are, pale in insignificance compared to some of the problems encountered and overcome in past years. First, of course, there was the heartbreaking and discouraging experience with the water supply. The depression years followed hard on the heels of the club’s organization, and Carlowden was kept going in that period only by the loyal and generous and unselfish support of a small group of members under the leadership of the late Urban C. Hirschey. World War II created shortages -- of manpower, material and membership -- that required the closing of the clubhouse for three years.
With our membership at an all-time high, and with enthusiasm to match, Carlowden surely can look forward to the achievement of new goals. Our steering committee has proposed, for example, further attention to the water system, including repairs to the reservoir and the possible installation of a new pipeline. The clubhouse porch, it has been suggested, could be enlarged and enclosed. A combination pro shop and equipment storage building has been given consideration. “Winterizing” the clubhouse for year-round use is another idea whose time may come. And, of course, who among us would not like to see a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an additional nine holes!
Some of these projects no doubt will be undertaken in years to come, further enhancing Carlowden’s proud reputation as one of the finest golf and country clubs to be found anywhere!