Golf

In March 1929, a meeting was held in the Fairview State Bank to choose a site for a golf course. It was decided to obtain the A.H. Phillips 40 for the site of the Fairview golf course and possibly a piece of land across the north side of the plot.

The club was organized in order to provide a grounds close at hand for the lovers of the game. The club already had 20 men signed up with hopes of 10 more later that year. The club expected to spend approximately $800-900 on the development. The course was an added addition to the community of Fairview, and it was convenient for local people to play the game close at hand and not travel to Sidney. The men erected a small building to provide shelter from wet weather and a modern clubhouse later.

By April 31, signatures had signed up with the hopes of 40 full-fledged members taking an active part by May. The board of directors with D.R. Billington as chairman made plans for its completion. Final arrangements were for 80 acres of land west of the Roy Collins farm near Fairview. The site for the golf links was purchased by Della Phillips from Collins and Russell who each owned 40 acres. It was sold to the club on a payment plan.

Membership fees were set at $20 for man and wife. Juveniles from 12 years up through school age were charged $3 for the girls and $5 for the boys. Women who wanted to play would be charged $10. A rate for out-of-town players and school teachers was decided later.

Six members started on the course by burning the high grass. In May, progress toward the completion of the course was surprisingly past. Labor and trucks to place 59 loads of sand on the greens was all donated by Fairview men. The sand will be screened and oiled. Excavation and filling work on all nine greens was completed under the direction of Dwight. Except for the sand and oil work, the remainder of the time was used to clean the fairways and arranging the tee boxes.

Members of the golf club had a special meeting and election in the A.O.U.W. hall. Dr. A.M. Treat was elected president; D. R. Billington, vice president; and W. L. Thompson, secretary-treasurer. These men, along with Iver Brujord and Bert Frankl, were elected to constitute the board of directors.

In 1932, improvements were made on the golf course to get it ready for the spring activities and the many tournament schedules that were held. Oil for working the greens was secured from the Great Northern and hauled to Fairview by John Miller. A number of young trees were brought up from the river and planted near number one tee box. A new well was dug for ample supply of water for the trees and drinking. Tournament manager L. L. Maxson scheduled the first tournament of the year to be held against Watford City, N.D.

Iver Brujord was elected president of the Fairview Golf Club in 1933 at the annual meeting and election of officers. Other officers elected were John Bird, secretary-treasurer; and directors John Miller, J.M. Benoit, Clarence Noyes and R. Sanford.

Again in 1934, improvements got under way in the spring. Several members gave up their time to the project. Once again the greens had been oiled and completely resurfaced. Oil was secured from the Great Northern Railroad at no cost to the club except transportation from Snowden. It is said that this golf club was the best in the county.

Miniature Golf

A rumor that Fairview was to have a new miniature indoor golf course was confirmed when L. E. Newlon announced men were rushing the work to complete the course in the old Maxson building by Sept. 13, 1930.

Enthusiasm for the miniature golf game gained popularity throughout the nation in recent months. Thousands of courses were established in cities and towns. The sport is not a substitute for golf but interesting to attract old and young men, women and children.

Williston had two miniature golf courses and a newly installed outside course in Sidney. The Fairview course will operate throughout the winter season as the old building has lights and heat.

The miniature golf course is generally composed of 18 holes with short fairways, curves and hazards which make it interesting playing. The entire game is played with a regular golf ball and a putter, interchangeable for right or left hand players. It is said that women and children especially enjoy the game better than outdoor golf.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Information compiled from the Fairview Times.