T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY A foursome hits the links at the American Legion Post 46 Golf Course.

Editor’s Note: This is the third and final installment of a series on the American Legion Memorial Golf Course’s upcoming 60th anniversary, with this article written by Legionnaire Ron Estabrook. Times-Republican reporter Mike Donahey also contributed to the report.

The 18-hole, full-service, public course is overseen by the Golf Committee of the American Legion Post 46 which serves as an advisory committee to the Post 46 Executive Board. Its mission has been to maintain admissions and fees at a reasonable level while providing a good experience for Marshalltown area golfers.

Thousands upon thousands of rounds have been played in its nearly 60 years of experience, with the actual number of hours of recreation provided to area residents incalculable.

Only the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA and Marshalltown Parks and Recreation generates more hours of recreation than the American Legion Memorial Golf Course.

The course is proud to host the Marshalltown High School Girls Golf Team at no cost to the school, as well as assisting with fundraising events benefiting the athletic department.

We are equally proud to work in partnership with Marshalltown Community College golfers, too.

Many local charity events are also held annually at the complex for significantly reduced cost.

We are looking forward to hosting one class for the annual Girl’s and Boy’s State Golf Tournament and all participants are allowed practice rounds at cost. It is an honor to co-host with Elmwood Country Club the annual Marshalltown Men’s and Women’s City Tournament, a highlight for golfers of all talent levels.

The Golf Committee and other Legionnaires hope to reestablish the Ray Engle Golf Tournament to honor Ray and Kathryn Engle who were instrumental in the development of the second nine holes.

Over its first 50 years, the course performed well financially and many improvements were made. However, in the last 10 years, rounds played have dropped, yet maintenance costs have steadily risen.

Last year was the first year in the last 10 that rounds played has risen slightly instead of decreasing. During that time period the old mechanical tee and green irrigation system had aged to the point repair parts were no longer available. However the American Legion post stepped forward and borrowed funds to replace with a modern computer-operated system. Since golf revenues were down some of the repayment of the loan came from Post funds. When paid off last year, total project expenses was nearly $100,000. Unfortunately the fairway irrigation system has aged significantly, meaning one fairway must be manually turned on and off now instead of operating automatically.

Regardless of recent revenue challenges, the American Legion Memorial Golf Course is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary on July 2 in grand style. A special fundraising tournament is planned on that date. Proceeds will be dedicated to replacing the old storage building near the green on hole No. 13.

Should tournament revenues exceed the goal — excess funds will be applied to the replacement of the fairway irrigation system. Watch for more fundraising, and 60th anniversary details with July 2 fast approaching. Donations to the project will be tax deductible. For more information, or to donate, contact Frank Glick American Legion Post No. 46, 1301 S. 6th St., or call (641) 752-1834.