Golf Course
OUR HISTORY
Tom Bendelow
1868 - 1936
Tom Bendelow, sometimes called "The Johnny Appleseed of American Golf", was a renowned Scottish American golf course architect during the early 20th century. Over a span of 35 years, he had a hand in creating more than 600 courses, employing a “naturalistic approach” that leveraged the site’s natural features to enhance the design.
Bendelow is renowned for his notable creations such as Olympia Fields and the three designs at Medinah Country Club. His work on Course #3 at Medinah, in particular, has gained global fame as it has hosted several major championships and even the Ryder Cup. Being associated with Bendelow’s early 1900s course design portfolio is a source of pride for us.
You can enjoy Bendelow’s naturalist course design at Pottawattomie Country Club yet today. We are proud to be part of the Bendelow course design portfolio of the early 1900’s.
OUR GOLF COURSE
The course’s distinctive water hazards, majestic oak and maple trees, breathtaking tee shots, and stunning greens carved out from the forested land abutting Trail Creek offered a truly delightful playing experience for all. So, in 1965, the Members enlisted Bob Simmons to craft a new set of 9 holes, completing the current 19 -hole course nestled on 152 wooded acres. The meticulously manicured fairways, unaccountable trees, varied elevations and immaculate greens, all intersected by the picturesque Trail Creek, make for a challenging and scenic golfing paradise. Remarkably, the creek banks originally served as hunting grounds for the Pottawattomie Indians. Today, The Club harmoniously shares this enchanting locale with the renowned Friendship Gardens and Pottawattomie Park.
Under the direction of Matt Wagoner, our Grounds Superintendent, the golf course is arguably in the best condition that any current Member can recall. Recent years have seen a multitude of improvements, including, including replacing all bunker sand, introducing black tees for seniors and gold tees for upcoming seniors, installing fountains in ponds, strategically removing trees to promote turf growth in key areas, tree pruning and clearing brush along the charming Trail Creek, just to name a few enhancements.
Additionally, a newly constructed Short Game Chipping Area, a natural grass Driving Range and a spacious putting green provide all Golf Members with the chance to refine every facet of their game.
Pottawattomie is quite unique Golf Course in that tee times are not required. When you are ready to golf, just check in at The Golf Shop and grab the keys to a cart. What an exceptional way to truly enjoy the game.