Wellshire Golf Course opened in 1926 as a private country club built at a cost of $300,000. The course was designed by renowned golf course designer, Donald Ross, and the Tudor style club house was designed by famed Denver architect, George Musik. But after the club fell on financial hard times during the Depression, the City of Denver purchased the property in 1936 for just $60,000 and converted it into one of the city’s municipal courses.
Over the years, Wellshire has hosted manynotable tournaments. The 1948 Denver Open won by Ben Hogan also featured Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower in the gallery to watch the tournament, according to local
newspapers. Arnold Palmer tied for third in the 1958 Denver Centennial Open. And the following year, the USGA Public Links Championship was won by 23-year-old Bill Wright, the first black man to win a major national tournament.
The Wellshire Four Ball, a three-day tournament over Labor Day weekend, is the longest continuous tournament in Colorado, dating back to 1943.
Today, as it approaches its 100th anniversary, Wellshire is a beloved community asset. And still one of the best rounds of golf around.
Explore More: Read more in this Golf Course Magazine article. An application is in the works to add the Wellshire Golf Course and clubhouse to the National Historic Registry. Once completed, more information will be available. This preliminary report includes much information.
Author Bio
Kendra Black has been a Denver City Council Member and the director of National History Day in Colorado. Today she is president of the Museum of Denver Board of Directors.