Below is a beautifully written sentiment from Mary Hopson Fisher of the meaning behind Mason Rudolph Golf Course in Clarksville, TN. I personally grew up on this course, learning the game, making memories with my dad, and developed life-long friendships. I went on to get a full-ride scholarship to play golf at Middle Tennessee State University and played as a professional golfer after graduation. 

The Parks & Recreation Department decided long ago they wanted to close the historic course but only recently told the community. Please join our efforts in saving one of the last affordable golf courses in the state as well as one of the few practice facilities welcoming golfers no matter their age or skill level. 

"Mason Rudolph Golf Course....and historic icon of Clarksville, Tennessee
I have heard so much lately about Clarksville being one of “Best Places” to live. If that is true, why would we even think about closing down Mason Rudolph Golf Course? This golf course is over 100 years old….it is an symbol of Clarksville and one that is very, very important not only to children and seniors but also all those folks who are just learning about the game of golf. Mason Rudolph, the professional legendary golfer, is one of the most admired hero’s of our area and his name should be kept ongoing as Mason Rudolph Golf Course, not Mason Rudolph Park. Don’t get me wrong, I love parks…but it seems to me we have an adequate number in Clarksville. As for golf courses we don’t.

I have worked with The Clarksville Junior Golf Tour since 1997. I wish I could give you a number of the children/young adults who have excelled in golf from the programs here. It is way in the hundreds, possibly thousands. About 4 years ago I counted up the number of college golf scholarships awarded to kids who went through this program. At that time it was over 32 and by now the number has certainly grown. MANY a kid started playing, practicing and learning the game at Mason Rudolph Golf Course and Practice Facility. Why, because it is a centralized place, it is affordable and kids were openly welcomed no matter what their skill level. If Mason Rudolph is closed down, that will not happen anymore because some kids and families can’t afford to play elsewhere. If they are fortunate enough to be able to play at other courses, it is only going to make it tougher for those courses because of increased numbers.

Please consider keeping Mason Rudolph Golf Course open…..it’s just a Clarksville icon we need to keep going."