War Memorial Golf Course is a significant piece of the recreational history of Little Rock, Arkansas. Now it is closed!!
I loved this golf course … partly because it was short, partly because it was in the middle of the city and partly because this is where I spent much of my time attempting to learn to play this mostly fun, often frustrating game.
In reality, the game of golf has been on a national downswing … Pardon the pun! Courses have been closing all over the country due to reduced rounds of play and other recreational choices. I must admit that I too, very seldom play any more and have probably had a cavalier attitude regarding the closing. So why the big deal today? … COVID-19 isolation, fitness center closings and my need for a place to exercise and get some fresh air.
What better place than an abandoned golf course …
For the past week I have been going to War Memorial where I power walk the cart paths. Rather than drive the fairways, chip from the fringe or putt the greens, I now enjoy the fresh air, soak in the Redbud tree beauty and refresh my spirit with memories of three hundred yard drives, eagle putts and that occasional hole in one … I Wish!!
What about that 3 under par? Here’s how that came about. As I walked from hole to hole I began to remember specific rounds from the past. I remembered the eagle from 125 yards on number 12, the sloping side hill 40 foot putt on number 7, the blind over the hill to two feet on 15 and … on and on and on for 18 holes … I was mentally playing a phenomenal round of golf. Maybe it was a compilation of best shots from multiple rounds or maybe it was just fatuous dreaming or oxygen depletion … regardless I was having a ball and all I can say is … I was having the best round of my life!
Back to reality … sure, the golf course is closed. And maybe it’s only hitting me now, but I do feel sad about the closing. I don’t know what the future uses will be but I do know this beautiful spot on the map will always be for our citizens to enjoy and celebrate. In the meantime, I offer this suggestion to anyone who wishes to get a little exercise, walk the dog and breathe in the beauty of Arkansas the Natural State … It’s right here for you at the Former War Memorial Park Golf Course in Little Rock. Enjoy!
Eileen and friends … Jeff the photographer. The picture says it all!
Jim Dailey 