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Over the
years, the names may have changed, but those who dreamed
of a beautifully laid out golf course would eventually
realize that dream. And today, the Wild Oak Golf
Club offers some of the most challenging and scenic golf
in eastern South Dakota.
As best as the records are kept, the earliest
recollection of the golf course dates back to the 1920
era when a group of Mitchell businessmen started
the Mitchell Country Club. They owned 40 acres of
land on the east side of the Firesteel Creek.
In about 1932 or so, the first grass greens were
developed at the Mitchell Country Club. By 1936
the land was developed to the point where crews could
come in and actually make the green. It is also believed
that this is the time that the original layout of the
course was designed. A team of mules were brought
in to help in the making of the greens. Each of
the 6 original greens cost less than $400 to build.
In 1935 there were 17 stockholders in the Mitchell
Country Club. They were unable to sell any stock
to anyone so memberships to play were sold starting at
$25.00. As time went on those memberships
increased to $50.00 then eventually to $100.00.
The greens at Mitchell Country Club were round, flat and
about 40 to 50 feet in diameter. The cup was
placed in the center of each green. Each tee area
was made of hard-packed clay/sand and oil within a 2 by
4 boxed frame about 8 feet by 8 feet.
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