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A
Most Unique Golf Course Ownership
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by
Daniel
P. Murphy, Jr.
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As
I was looking around our clubhouse the other day I saw a plaque on
the wall at the lobby entrance that I’ve glanced at a time or
two but to which I hadn’t really paid much attention.
Looking at it in more detail I thought that maybe others
might be interested in the message it conveys.
It reads…..
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“The
Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Club was the first public golf course
in Kootenai County, and was incorporated in June, 1953.
Original Incorporators were Percy M. Lents, S. C.
Sanderson, R. Patrick Campbell, Dr. Jack Allen Rice and Attorney
Sidney E. Smith.
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The
four years between incorporation and opening consisted of
outstanding effort and hard work by civic minded citizens and
businesses.
They raised money by corporate and individual pledges.
Some land for the course was donated and some was
purchased.
Three sub-divisions of property and sale of lots
surrounding the course speeded up development of the back nine
holes.
The hard work was done by months of volunteer work parties
with bulldozers, chain saws, rakes, shovels, and hand axes.
All of this was accomplished at no cost to taxpayers.
Donators and contributors were issued Certificates of
Indebtedness, none of which were ever claimed or paid.
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This
public golf course is owned by a non-profit corporation in which
there are no stockholders.
It is operated by a membership restricted to residents of
Kootenai County, Idaho, who meet the qualifications prescribed by
the Bylaws of the Corporation and are elected to membership by the
Corporate Board of Directors.
There are nine directors duly elected by the membership at
an annual meeting, who serve three year terms without compensation
or special privilege.
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The
purpose is to promote the game of golf, to operate the course and
club house for the use of the general public, and to provide
social and recreational facilities for the citizens of Kootenai
County as a charitable corporation.”
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What
a cherished history and a formidable obligation for the Board of
Directors and the lucky golfers who are fortunate enough to have
this wonderful course on which to enjoy golf, comradeship, and
exercise.
It is incumbent upon each of us to protect and further
enhance this jewel in the heart of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
If you are already a voting member, come out and
participate in the decisions needed to keep it alive, vibrant, and
challenging.
If you are not yet a voting member, all it takes is a
simple application with some minimal requirements submitted to the
Board of Directors for their approval.
Do it today!
Help further the goals some far-sighted individuals had
nearly 50 years ago to make the Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Club
one of the finest “…social and recreational facilities…”
not only for Kootenai County, but for the entire northwest.
