History
Chapter One
Club Origin and Early Years
Chickasaw Golf Club was founded January 12, 1922 when the State of Tennessee officially accepted its charter which was submitted by John R. Flippin, S.T. Carnes, W.E. McGehee, Bethell Edrington, W.G.Thomas, Jas. L. McRee and Frank Pidgeon, incorporators. The general purposes which these gentlemen sought to realize through the charter were the establishment and maintenance of a club for social enjoyment and not for profit; and, among other things, the establishment of a golf and tennis club. On April 10, 1922, all of the property presently occupied by the Club, and then consisting of 107.52 acres was deeded to the club by Michael Kallaher and others. The incorporators and other golf enthusiasts promptly went to work to realize the paramount aim of the charter by laying out and establishing a golf club. Matters were handled less formally in those days than now and consequently there are no records to detail how the course was laid out and constructed, however, later research has identified William Langford as course architect. Many of the old-timers say that most of that portion of the Club property lying north of a line running from Highland to Holmes along the 14th fairway was rather heavily wooded. The Club founders realized the importance of these fine trees and determined to utilize them and maintain them as one of the outstanding assets of the Club. The errant golfer may heartily belabor his vision as he strays from tree to tree along the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 10th, 11th,or 12th fairway to the 12th green.
 
Although the Chickasaw membership now takes great pride in trivial evidence of its foresight, the old-timers say that during the first few years of its life, the course was not a pretty sight to behold. Like pioneers in the wilderness, they had to carve out the trees from the earth and then sow seeds and plant sod to encourage the fairways to become green and smooth. Some say that during those early years much of the play was over a carpet of cotton seed hulls, and a good "lie" was hard to find. They resolved a particularly annoying problem, presented by railroad spur running northward across the course, by utilizing the deepest cuts as moats guarding number 9 and number 14 greens. By 1923, the 18-hole course had been completed and Chickasaw's First Invitational Tournament was held over a layout substantially the same as today's Course.
 
No matter how difficult golf playing was during those early days, the Club Founders knew where they were going, and examination of the minutes of the Board of Directors (the earliest we find are dated November 29, 1933) discloses that continued attention was given to improving and making the course more difficult. For example we find that on February 6, 1936, it was contemplated that a new green would be constructed for number 6. Two large sand traps were being built around the 14th green, two more to the right of the 11th green, and two traps would be built to flank the 11th green. Number 7 tee would be moved back and placed next to the fence making it impossible to shoot over the tree. Their success in making Chickasaw a difficult course is evidenced by the relatively high course records on the par 72 layout. L.P. Jones held the low amateur score of 65 until 1995 when Wesley Hays scored a 63 on 18 holes to break the record. Freddie Haas holds the professional record of 64 for 18 holes. It was at the Memphis Invitational held at Chickasaw in 1945 that Haas defeated professional Byron Nelson, thereby ending Nelson's streak of eleven consecutive tour wins.
 
In the mid-thirties further efforts were made to beautify the course by planting 300 dogwood and tulip-poplar trees and several rows of small pine trees, a total of 600 in number. As the old-timers recall the financial difficulties which were then troubling the club and many of its members, they can be justifiably proud that so much was done to beautify the course during such trying times, and yet they may wonder if the incorporators were being prophetic when they established a club "not for profit". 
 
P.F. Crenshaw was President for several years in the thirties and should be given great credit for his untiring devotion to Chickasaw Golf Club. It was during these times that the club also began to profit from the activities of Frank Ragsdale, the man who later would engineer, almost single-handedly, Chickasaw's transformation to a country club with an outstanding clubhouse facility. The old-timers credit these two men with unusual leadership and untiring effort during the difficult days of the depression and almost as difficult days during World War II. For during the war years the membership fell off, the help problem became acute, the problem of maintaining a golf course became more and more difficult, and golf players found that they had to plan carefully to obtain enough gas coupons to drive to and from the course. Club facilities were made available to servicemen stationed in and near Memphis without any initiation fee, the only requirements being that such members pay monthly dues and abide by the other club rules. To further the war effort, a Victory Garden was raised adjacent to the clubhouse.
 

Chapter Two
Improvements and Conversion to “Country Club”

The Clubhouse engendered mixed emotions. To some it was hallowed ground with its floors deep-grooved from thousands of trampling spikes where some of the greats of the golfing world had trod. To others it was just a ramshackle frame building that had long since lost what little beauty and utility it originally may have had, a tired place that added little when one considered what a country club should be.

The ardent golfers always replied, "We like this golf club the way it is. We don't want a country club." 
 
So, the issue was joined and at the Annual Membership Meeting of 1944, there was presented and approved a resolution that certain improvements were needed and that a committee be appointed to investigate. When the committee on Club improvements reported in April of 1945, it suggested that for $100,000.00 (less than one-third of the ultimate cost) certain improvements could be effected. This expenditure was impossible during the war, but at the Annual Meeting in 1946, the membership voted to ask all members to give $200.00 to be applied on club improvements and this gift ultimately came to $650.00 per regular members.
At a Special Membership Meeting on August 13, 1956, the members approved construction of additional facilities at an estimated cost of $195,000.00. In order to finance this addition, it was voted to ask all regular members to give $144.00 each and to ask all associates members to give $72.00 each.

Frank V. Ragsdale was the driving force during those difficult days of 1950 and 1951, while the new clubhouse and the swimming pool were being constructed; but with his untiring efforts to inspire the other committeemen, work proceeded apace. In the fall of 1950 the name of the club was changed to Chickasaw Country Club and the new clubhouse was formally opened the following fall.
 
Thereafter, the caddy-house, tennis courts, bath house, snack bar, maintenance barn and landscaping were completed. In recognition of Ragsdale's outstanding service to Chickasaw, the Club obtained a handsome silver loving cup, known as the Frank V. Ragsdale Trophy, which annually is presented to the Club Champion. Thus, briefly chronicled, the transition from golf club to country club was completed.
Except for the loss of twenty feet along number 6and the loss of twelve and one-half feet along the entire west side of the golf course (both tracts were sold to the city to widen streets), the club property stands as it was originally purchased. At one time there was talk about buying the orchard which is the out-of-bounds on the right side of number 7, but nothing ever came of it -- to the great sorrow of those whose tee shots fade off to the right of the fairway. Now, that great "dog-leg" is flanked by some fine apartment houses whose occupants regularly collect golf balls from the intrepid sports who continue to "cut the corner."

Golf still being the prime raison d’être at Chickasaw, our late greens keeper, Warren Stone, improved the putting surfaces by planting Tifton 328 on all the greens in 1961. Mother Nature, being a fickle female, didn't always cooperate and the greens had to have a re-do sometime later.

 
Chapter Three
Growing with the “Baby Boomers”
Clubhouse facilities were becoming so popular with the ladies and the kids that the membership, under the administration of J.C. Laws and Pat Thayer, accomplished extensive remodeling. With Frank Phillips in charge, the main dining area was enlarged, the piano bar was created and the women's locker room was upgraded. All this was done by utilizing some porch and deck space not used up until then.

In '63 we went into the publishing business with the first issue of the Chickasaw Chatter, edited and photographed by Frances Greeson. The Chatter kept us informed that Charlie McCrory and partner won the member-guest tournament with Hollis Rogers and partner as runner-up. Also, we saw "who did the hula" at the first Luau party. One of the highlights of the fall of '64 was the night when the golfing members turned out to honor Arnold Mears. The dining room was jammed with those whose slice he had corrected and whose hook he had educated. Arnold was thoroughly surprised but totally equal to the occasion in his gracious acceptance speech. Much to our sorrow, Arnold passed away on April 29, 1981. We sincerely miss him. Joe Kothe succeeded Arnold as Golf Pro.

We lost another good friend when Martin Deneberger passed on, but we gained one in W.D. "Bud" Moss who took over as Club Manager in 1966. Much to our regret, Bud retired (December 1, 1979) to a life of leisure after many years of faithful and outstanding service. Upon his retirement, Bud was granted the distinguished title of Manager Emeritus. Bud had been on the staff at the Peabody Hotel and brought another employee, Laura House, to be his Secretary in 1969.
In 1968 Ernest Schumacher took over as president, beginning an era of great changes at Chickasaw. The Club's Constitution and By-Laws were updated and Mr. Schumacher presented the membership with a plan by which extensive additions and refurbishing could be accomplished. This plan was approved by the membership in October,1968. 

Charlie McCrory was elected President in 1969 and the construction program got underway. In addition to the fine facilities already at Chickasaw, the Club was now to have a new health club for both men and women, 3 racquetball courts, new men's grill, new business office and a new mixed grill (the Fairway Room) overlooking number nine green and number ten tee. All of this, along with the redecorating and refurnishing of most of the existing club, was to give Chickasaw a complete new look by the end of 1970.

In 1970 Charlie McCrory was re-elected to an unusual second term as President to see the building program through its completion. The 1970's represented a period during which the club flourished under a series of dedicated Presidents and Board members. No major construction projects or facilities additions were required during that decade. 

This did not, however, hold true for the 1980's. The swimming pool, which was originally built in 1951 and remained virtually unchanged into the 1980's, developed a number of problems. To ward off threats of condemnation by the City of Memphis, at a Special Membership Meeting called by President, Frank Buehl in September 1982, the members voted to remodel the pool, expand the deck area, enlarge the snack bar and add a restaurant/lounge between the tennis courts and the swimming pool at a total cost of $400,000.00 No sooner was the pool completed in July of 1983, when President Bobby Hansom and the Board of Directors approved a plan to refurbish substantially all of the main level of the clubhouse at a cost of $185,000.00.

A number of management changes also took place in the early 1980's. Our Golf Professional for many years, Jerry Hinton, moved on to another club, and Assistant Kyle Howard was named Head Golf Professional. Dan Shinebarger became our Head Professional in November, 1986. Our Golf Superintendent, Houston Gargus retired after 25 years with the club, and Jim Harris, CGCS, was hired to succeed him. 
 
Chapter Four
New Greens and a New Clubhouse Look
For many years the greens on our golf course experienced a variety of problems. After extensive testing and investigation of the problems, the Golf Course Committee proposed completely rebuilding the greens. A series of meetings was held to explain to our membership why rebuilding was necessary. President, Don Schuppe called a Special Meeting of the membership in April, 1984. At that Meeting plans were approved to spend another $600,000.00 to completely reconstruct our greens, upgrade the irrigation system, drill a new well, and install a larger pumping system. This project got underway in June of 1984, under the supervision of Jim Harris, and once completed, our members enjoyed the finest greens in Memphis when the project was completed in November, 1984.

Perhaps one of the most popular golfing events in the decade was the Thursday evening Twilight Scramble. During the 1989 season, Twilight attendance, which had been growing steadily for several years, exceeded all expectations when it averaged over one hundred participants each Thursday. Twilight had developed into one of the club's greatest mixers, bringing together, as it does, men and women golfers of all age, group and abilities.

Yet another memorable golfing event in August of '89 was the Robert Lee Night-Time Golf Classic. A first for Chickasaw, this "scramble under the stars," played on a lighted course, was a fund raiser for Chickasaw's long-time Caddy Master, Robert Lee Bullock, to help defray enormous medical expenses resulting from his gallantly fought battle with cancer. 

The 1980's witnessed a variety of other improvements and additions at Chickasaw. In April of 1987, a fitness center with 12 pieces of Nautilus equipment, 3 treadmills and 2 bicycles, was opened. The new center did not supplant the men's health center where the nimble fingers of Masseur, Oather Hendon continued to minister to members' aching muscles as he had been doing since the seventies. Construction began in October, 1989, on an addition to the fitness center which was exceptionally well received by, and beneficial to, the health and weight conscious.

Under the supervision of Golf Course Superintendent Jim Harris, magnificent, seasonal blooming flowers and plants beautified the surroundings to the extent that Chickasaw was a veritable showplace. The aforementioned bent grass greens coupled with a double row sprinkler system installed in 1987 made our golf course truly a thing of beauty as well as an object of envy to other area course members.

Chickasaw's tennis enthusiasts also increased and prospered during the decade. Under the guidance of Tennis Professional, Lee Marshall, two Omni courts were added to the original four rubico courts, thereby providing options as well as more space.

The clubhouse kitchen underwent a long needed major renovation in January of 1989, which greatly facilitated preparation and service of meals.

A Pennsylvania native, Mr. Tom Eshelman, came to the club in October of 1989 as General Manager. The 90's saw numerous additions and improvements in and around the club environs. 

A one million dollar renovation of the club and immediate surroundings was completed in June, 1992. Included was a new facade for the front of the clubhouse as well as the entrance way to the gatehouse and parking lot. The Men's Grill was remodeled and the Men's Locker room was completely redone, including new wooden lockers. The Ladies Locker room received a much-needed face lift while the Ladies Health Facilities and the Cocktail Lounge were also upgraded. 

A gala open house was held at the club upon completion of all construction affording members the opportunity to view and applaud their splendidly refurbished Chickasaw Country Club.
 
Chapter Five
The 90’s and Beyond

Longtime and beloved Maitre d', Caesar Hart, retired in June of 1993 and was honored at a splendid reception attended by scores of his friends.
July 1995 saw the completion of renovation and reconstruction of the golf shop's exterior and interior which resulted in an "admirable" new look.

In 1995, Jeff Rainy succeeded Jim Harris as Golf Superintendent and oversaw such massive undertakings as the addition of two lakes, walled by stone, to the 18th hole Fairway. Corresponding stone walls also were added to the lakes on holes 6 and 14. Then, in 1996, #12 green was rebuilt in accordance with USGA specifications. Additionally during this decade, in 1995, Tennis Professional Michael Johnson joined the staff. Under Johnson's guidance, two new indoor tennis courts were constructed in 1996, thereby providing even more options and space for the club's tennis enthusiasts. 

More new personnel during the nineties included Massage Therapist, Alice Miller. She replaced longtime ladies Masseuse, Betty Hendon, when Betty retired for health reasons. A prideful group is the Chickasaw Swim Team which achieved the Country Club Championship in 1996. The Swim Team was organized in1959 by members Bob and Jean Thomas and the late Dr. Phil "Doochie"Sherman, Sr. The Thomas’ also organized the Wednesday Night Bridge Games at the Club in 1976 and remained Chairmen of this popular activity for twenty years. 

Since 1975, the El Jays (Laura and Jack) have been entertaining club members and their guests in the Main Dining Room and West End Grill. This talented and personable pair, originally hired to play for one week, have stayed on for 30+ years.

In December, 1997, Roger Pelcher came to Chickasaw Country Club to serve as General Manager. Under his imaginative leadership, the entire Clubhouse (with the exception of the Fairway Dining Room) was renovated and up scaled to cutting edge modernity unequaled by any other Country Club in Memphis at that time. In addition to renovating the Clubhouse, Mr. Pelcher commissioned a spectacular landscaping of the grounds and entrance to Chickasaw Country Club making the Clubhouse and surroundings a luscious oasis for Chickasaw Members. 

Another major capital improvement program was undertaken in 2005 when the Membership approved a 2 million dollar, 10-year capital assessment for a new fitness center, outdoor tennis court renovations, tennis pro shop & locker rooms, new bath house and pool deck improvements, and golf course master plan.

The loyalty and steadfastness of Chickasaw employees are hallmarks of the club. As of 2006, some of the remarkable tenures included Wiley Johnson, Head Golf Course Mechanic, 40 years; Eldora Kerr, Ladies Locker Room Attendant, 39 years; Laura House, Social Director 37 years; Lura Reed, Executive Housekeeper, 36 years; Fairway Room Waitress, Rosetta Nelson, 30 years and Warren Davis, who served in the Club's kitchen for 30 years. The Club and its members are deeply appreciative of these valuable assets to our organization.

Chickasaw launched its first website August 1, 2006.
After surveying members of the Club in January, 2006, a priority plan was developed by the Board defining the sequence of work to be performed under the capital expenditure plan approved the prior November. The plan was reaffirmed by the Membership at a Special Meeting on September, 18th 2007. Construction work on the new Fitness Center, Tennis Pro Shop & Locker Rooms, and Pool Bath House began soon thereafter and was opened to the members in July 2008.

An opportunity arose in 2007 to close Galloway Avenue and expand northward, utilizing the street for additional parking, potentially freeing up some parking area for golf course improvements, and providing improved security. After approval by the Memphis City Council in November, 2007, the expansion was approved by the Membership at a special meeting in April, 2008. Plans were subsequently developed to construct a new Guard House and create a new vehicle access to the circular drive in front of the Clubhouse. Construction was completed during 2009.

Laura House, our long-time Social Secretary, retired in January 2009 and was honored at a special reception. Laura had served the club for 40 years, having arrived in 1969.

June 2010 saw the arrival of new General Manager, Jim Napolitano. Jim came to us from a sister club in Nashville where his hallmark had been made with excellence in food and beverage and special events. Jim invigorated the operations of the Club and made numerous improvements upon his arrival. 

2012 marked the 90th anniversary of Chickasaw and finds the Club holding steady. We are very proud of our Club and Membership. We continue to enjoy one another in the comfortable surroundings of the Club and strive to make it better.