Steven Lyon of Tulsa, Oklahoma was selected as the contractor to build the golf course. He was given the "notice to proceed" order on May 16, 1967 to begin construction on the golf course. I haven’t been able to locate much information on Lyon, but a common story seems to be that he "lost his shirt" on the job. Apparently coming from Oklahoma he was not prepared for the amount of rock he would encounter in Missouri and had badly underbid the project.

There are a few interesting tidbits about the original course construction. The course was originally designed as a par 70 layout (#6 and #14 were both par 4's), but was later modified to the current par 72. The original architect’s plans called for U-3 bermuda grass fairways and tees, a feature which was omitted during original construction as a cost savings measure. Changing from bermuda to bluegrass saved the club $2,200 off of the proposed construction cost. The present bermuda was installed beginning in 1984. And picture this....how about a small lake in front of the green on par 3 hole #5! Would you believe that original course drawings included such a lake?


Original Layout:
The course layout reproduced at right is from the front of a set of blue prints for the construction of the club house, and not necessarily a set of golf course blue prints.  However, the layout accurately reflects the layout that we did end up with, with a couple noticeable exceptions.   Notice that this layout includes a entrance road coming directly from Hwy 54 by passing through the driving range and crossing #14 (#5 on the layout).  Notice also that the 9's are reversed.  Finally, notice the small lake or pond in front of #5 (#14 on the layout).                                                                                                                                  Click on Photo for larger image

Construction:
The golf course construction began in mid 1967, with the original plan being that the course would open in 1968. Because it was part way through the 1967 growing season before construction began, final growth had not been completed before the fall rainy season set in. Unfortunately, a 5" rainfall resulted in damage to the fairways and roughs on the south side of the entrance road (holes 6-7-8-9-10-11). Not long after that a second 5" rain washed out 13-14-16-17, which caused a delay in the 18 hole opening. This is also the reason that the additional $50,000 loan was required to complete the course. One reason that some think the runoff from the rains was so significant was that the new Highway 54 was under construction at the same time.

Temporary 9-Holes:
As a result of the heavy rains in 1967, play opened in 1968 with a temporary 9 hole layout. The 9 hole layout was something like this:
#1: Players played what is now hole #10.
#2: Players played what is now hole #11.
#3: Players played what is now hole #12.
#4: Players teed off from a temporary tee at the far end of the present practice range, and played to the present green #18.
#5: Players teed off from the present tee #4 and played to the present green #5.
#6: thru #9 - played as is today


Original Course Opening:
Although earlier references were made to the course being open for members play, it appears that the "official" opening of the course did not occur until April 19, 1969. Here is what the local newspaper from April 1969 had to say:

"LAKE VALLEY GOLF COURSE OPEN FOR PLAY

According to the club Pro, Bob Bratzler, nine holes of the golf course will be open for play April 19th. It will be a little rough going on the fairways as work is being done on them, but the greens are excellent. It has been announced that local players who are not members will be permitted to play upon payment of a green fee between April 19th and May 25th. After May 25th, the course will not be open to local persons who are not members of the Lake Valley Golf and Country Club."

Further, an article in the July 25, 1969 Vacation News indicated that the second 9 holes would be open for play "within the next few days." In describing the course the article continued to say "The course includes a driving range and lighted putting clock." A lighted putting clock? Does anybody remember this?