New Salem Golf Course

Sitting at the base of Salem Sue, the New Salem Golf Course was built in 1928 and is a 9 hole course.  Some of the early residents of New Salem; namely, Fred Mann, Dr. O. C. Gaebe, George Gaebe, Dr Toepke, George Blank, Phil Blank, and Mr McCormack built and designed the course and were some of the first members.  There were 16 charter members and dues were set at $10.00 with $5.00 annually thereafter.  By the end of 1929, there were 41 members.  Membership dropped during the "Dirty 30's" but began to rise again in the 40's.  The building of the course and maintenance has been a volunteer effort.  For many years the course had sand greens and in 1996-1997 Roger "Gus" Holle designed and orchestrated the building of the grass greens.  It is par 38 and plays to a lenght of 2955 yards.  A tree project was begun in 1981 with the moving and planting of 81 trees.  Since that time Gus Holle has planted more than 500 trees on the course.  There is not a driving range, however, there are clubs available and a limited number of carts for rental.  The first clubhouse was an old schoolhouse moved to the course on hole #6 in 1940.  Another clubhouse was moved in to replace the first one in 1960.  And the latest, present clubhouse was built in 1971.  Membership for the Club is $200 single and $250.00 for a family.  One can play all day for $15.00  Gus and Rolalie Holle have a deep passion for the course and hav eput in hours and house of care.  Trees, flowers, tee signs, birdhouses, and rock formations adorn the course with some benches and shelters as well.