06/02/2024
Let your voice be heard as many of us unite to Save Mason Rudolph Golf Course. Grassroots efforts are the small beginnings of any cause!
If we can remain open minded and brainstorm for the greater good of the future of the site, Clarksville and the nearby area could be enriched with a golf-centric, family friendly, community and youth oriented revitalization. In recent weeks, I've read and listened to many beautiful stories of memories of both locals and transplants. Their tales of the ability to relax and take their time at Mason Rudolph, to familiarize themselves with the game, some who spent their summers there making memories and building relationships, all warmed my heart. I saw men moved to tears. I was born here, I'm a sentimental sap, and now that I know how extremely talented Mason Rudolph was, and at SUCH a young age, what could be more ENCOURAGING and UPLIFTING to a child's spirit and determination of winning at life, than the legend of a local youngster who soared to fame among grown ups swinging a golf club?
Hearing how the rules of the game of golf parallel how we should go through life was especially interesting to me. It was explained that golf is about about being accountable for your own actions, being honest about your own score and being adaptable to the consequences of where the ball lands. You put it there! Many emotions are felt. There's an unbelievable sense of satisfaction when it sails out of sight in a straight line, confusion when the straight line suddenly hooks left, joy when the long putt lands, and perhaps amusement or frustration if wildlife gets involved. Physics, mechanics, weather, geology, biodiversity are all topics of relevance on a golf course. There is much wisdom to be gained by simply preserving and improving our existing treasure.
Perhaps install some safe, strategically placed, golf-themed family picnic areas, toys and playground equipment. Be sure to include signage to watch out for flying objects and to avoid frolicking on the fairways or building sand castles in the bunkers. QR codes and plaques to learn about the game of golf, Mason Rudolph the man, and Clarksville history would be great. Good lighting (respecting the reality of light pollution to the neighborhood) throughout would encourage some nighttime rounds. There are many talented people with fantastic ideas to share. I heard someone propose a partnership with Austin Peay's golf program. It's within walking distance of two elementary schools, too: Moore Magnet and Norman Smith. Why not partner with both APSU and CMCSS? Incorporating a recreation center like Crow or Kleeman could be another hub for children to spend afternoons learning and having fun. There are endless possibilities with plenty of room for compromise. Encourage our city leadership to hear the ideas. Decisions of such magnitude should not be left to a few city employees without community input. Bravo to all for the outpouring of support so far.
Friday evening, with hundreds of like-minded Clarksvillians, I watched kids of all ages driving balls 200 yards.