2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Bowling Green Country Club, a historic gathering place for the community since 1913. The club has connected residents through a variety of different social activities and sports, such as their weekly Thursday night pinoche games, and it countines to be a popular meeting spot for many of the town’s community service organizations such as the Rotary Club and the BGSU Retirees Association.
The club’s history dates back to 1913 when the land was the site of the Wood County Fairgrounds. By 1924, local business and community leaders, led by Joe Eberly and C.G. Helby formed the Bowling Green Country Club with additional board members included William James, Art Lodge, Henry Murlin and Lynn Reiss.
In 1958, the club expanded and completed its 18-hole course that stands today. In 1992, the course was redesigned by David Pfaff, further enhancing the course and its appeal to the surrounding community.
The country club has grown tremendously over the years with their community involvement and add-ins. The original caddy shed was replaced in 1937, and lasted all the way up until 1970.
After the clubhouse burned down in 1970, the current building was constructed and opened in 1971. More recent renovations include a clubhouse remodel in 2022 and the addition of an outdoor pavilion.
Club member and local attorney, Norm Geer, fondly recalled his youth spent at the club. Growing up nearby, he would spend summers playing golf, swimming in the quarry, and searching for stray golf balls.
“I love this course. I’ve played thousands of rounds here,” Geer said.
In the club’s early years, they hosted events like the Fourth of July potluck dinners and fireworks. In 1925, the first club championships were held, with Wendell Reigle as the men’s champion and Marilyn Ziegler crowned the first women’s champion in 1951.
Today, the Bowling Green Country Club remains a popular spot with around 125 to 150 members, offering a wide variety of activities such as golf and different social activities. The club continues to grow while looking forward to the next chapter.
