The History of Fenton Farms Golf Club

Fenton Farms has a colorful history dating back to the 1930’s when farmer Ralph Crane decided to clear some of his farm land to create a few golf holes. He called the new course Long Lake golf course because back then Lake Fenton was called Long Lake.

Over the next eight decades the owners and the course name has changed several times. It was once known as Shore Acres, and Torrey Pines.

In the 1960’s, one of the most famous owners was professional golfer Walter Burkemo who won the 1953 PGA Championship. In the 1970’s Detroit Lion player and actor Alex Karas (Blazing Saddles and the TV show Webster) had an interest in the club. During that time, the club was more famous for the crazy parties held there.

Marvin Gaye even performed at one golf outing and if the club ran out of carts, the players (mostly Detroit Lions football players) would take their Corvettes on the course as golf carts.

In the 1990’s the club was purchased by a group headed by Jack Bott. Hundreds of trees were brought in, new holes created, and drainage was installed.

This new and improved course was named Fenton Farms Golf Club in partial memory of its very first beginnings as a farm. Later Jack bought out the other members of the group.

In the last 5 years, with the help of his daughters Diane Rutherford, Kathy White and grandson Chris White, the family has overhauled the management. Today the most colorful thing about the club are the beautiful flowers that surround the clubhouse and adorn the course.

2012 marked the 10th anniversary of “ The Friendly Place” aka Fenton Farms Golf Club. Each year over the past 10 years, the course and clubhouse have received notable improvements.

Our guests have noticed, and have complimented us, “The course and the clubhouse have never been so nice!” Fenton Farms Golf Club is 84 Years old and is still improving its game!