Today's Hawley's golf course is is widely-recognized as one of the best in our region, with golfers coming from miles around to play the highly-rated course. 

But golf in Hawley didn’t start with a wealthy developer or some grand plan.

Golf in Hawley began in 1923 as a kind of “do-it-yourself” project. The original course was pasture land highlighted by three tomato cans for “cups”.  The course was laid out on what was formerly a wagon trail that was used by farmers south and east of Hawley to get to what was then known as the “White House Grist Mill.” That mill was located just south of the present Hole No. 2 putting green. 

The primitive course got a local following, including former Hawley Mayor Dr. E.W. Johnson, and a committee was formed to acquire the land from Clay County. 30 acres was purchased and another seven acres was later added. The course grew to six holes in 1930. To raise money to expand the course, in 1947 a fundraising drive called a “name tree” was used. (You guessed it--each donor got their name on one of the course’s trees.) 125 trees were “sold”. 

The course survived the Depression, actually thriving as a low-cost alternative to traveling or other entertainment options. The course even survived its own Caddy Strike in 1934, when caddies walked out to get their caddy fees raised from five cents to ten cents. After a two week holdout, they got their dime wage. 

Hawley Golf and Country Club has evolved over the years to a lush wooded 18 hole, par 71 course. Today, Hawley Golf and Country Club is open to the public and is well known in the area as an affordable, enjoyable and friendly place to play golf. With its mature trees and rolling hills, the course is suitable for all skill level golfers.

For more information about booking your private event, booking your charity group outing or booking a tee time, head to hawleygolf.com.