Michigan Golf Journal March 2020

One cattle farmer’s bad luck turned good luck for golfers in the remote region of Shelby and Hart, Michigan, in the 1960s – when area golf enthusiasts grew tired of traveling 25-30 miles to play their beloved game and they united to create their own local, 9-hole golf course. The community group formed, designed and built the Oceana Golf Club to become the first golf course in Oceana County, north of Muskegon. In 1961 the organizers bought 75 acres located between the two towns. Most of the land was Ollie Satterlee’s cattle pasture. “I think my dad was glad to sell it,” said Doug Satterlee. “We didn’t have much luck with that farm. One time we had four cows hit by lightning.” Fast forward to today and OGC was on the brink of extinction before area native Jason Wenk recently agreed to purchase the financially strapped 58-year-old public course and build a plan of renewal and renovation. In the beginning, organizers from both towns went door to door to share their dream of signing 300 charter members. For $100 they would become a shareholder in the non- profit corporation. One of their first stops was Tanner’s Plumbing in Shelby. “We didn’t get 300,” recalled the 95-year-old Tanner. “But I told them I’d buy one, and Michigan Golf Journal Oceana olf Club is Saved Oceana Golf Club: Built on Sweat Equity By Fred Inglis