Leavenworth Country Club, Lansing, Kansas 66043

History of the Leavenworth Country Club

The Leavenworth Country Club was established in 1920. One of the first actions of the founders of the club was to purchase 70 acres and clear virgin forest and grass land. The first course was 9 hole course of 3110 yards and designed by J.W. Watson. The club acquired an additional 30 acres in the mid to late 1920's to enlarge the golf course to 18 holes. The original by-laws prohibited women from being members, however they were considered guests of their spouse. Women were not allowed to play golf on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

The first handicap tournament was held on July 4, 1920. The entry fee was 50 cents and the winner was awarded the coveted "Silver Loving Cup." The tournament was followed by a picnic and fireworks display, furnished by the Leavenworth Country Club and the Leavenworth Lawn Tennis Club. The Clubhouse was completed in November of 1920 and was located around the number fourteen tee box (outside bathroom). The formal opening was described as a brilliant affair with over 300 attendees. There was a buffet supper and ball that evening. The ballroom was beautiful and the orchestra directed by Professor G. Lynch provided the entertainment.

The club endured hard times during the "Great Depression" of the 1930's and then the war years of World War II. In 1944 the membership had declined to 70 members, so the club and golf course opened to the public. A fire destroyed the clubhouse in March of 1944 and a new clubhouse was erected in the current location. In 1948 a lake was built on the grounds and was called Lake Oliver, named after the President of the Board. The pool was built in 1955 under the direction of Mr. R. Klotz, President. The current clubhouse was constructed in 1996 and our cart paths were paved in 2001.