Dallas began to gain momentum as lots in Munger Place, developed in 1905, and Junius Heights, developed in 1906, were quickly purchased by businessmen seeking close proximity to the central business district and White Rock Lake.
The popularity of golf and country clubs was also on the rise.
These two factors led Collett Munger and George Aldredge to found Lakewood Country Club in 1912.
The second oldest in Dallas, Lakewood Country Club was considered out in the country and no paved roads led to the site.
A few homes were built in Munger Place and Junius Heights, while Lakewood – as we know it, had not yet been developed.
The original clubhouse faced Junius, and club grounds extended to Old Abrams Road, where the ninth fairway was located. This land was later sold for $2 per square foot to developers of Lakewood Shopping Center.
Half of the eighth fairway also was sold to developers of the Lakewood Theatre. The parking lots behind the buildings that now face Abrams By-Pass – from Texas Community Bank to Lakewood Ace Hardware – were the sites of clay tennis courts.
Lakewood Country Club has always been first and foremost a golf club, and has provided its share of celebrities to the world of golf. The club has trained and sponsored renowned golfers such as Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Jimmy Thompson, Billy Burke, Betty Jamison, Reynolds Smith and Harry Todd.
Numerous golf pros at the club contributed to its success. Larry Nabholtz was the club’s pro from 1930 until 1948. He came to Dallas from Houston and resided in the old Pearson home at 6683 Lakewood, which he purchased for $12,900.
At the beginning of the Nabholtz era, caddy fees ran 35 cents. Nine holes of golf could be played for 25 cents and 18 holes cost 75 cents.
It was also during this time Lakewood took the lead in encouraging preachers to play the game. W.A. Criswell, John Anderson, Pat Henry, E.E. Lee, Dr. Elliott, and Dr. Withers took lessons for $25 a year, and later formed the PGA – Preachers Golf Association.
Changes have occurred since construction of the original Lakewood Country Club on Junius. Today’s clubhouse, which faces Gaston, was constructed in 1959 after a fire at the original property. A renovation in 1985 provided an additional 8,000 square feet.
The golf course has been rebuilt three times over the years and the 18-hole length is 6,632 yards. The original club tennis courts were replaced in the late ‘70s by the courts on the La Vista side of the club grounds.
Situated on 133 acres in the heart of Lakewood, Lakewood Country Club is regarded by many residents as one of the area’s most outstanding landmarks and is considered an integral part of both neighborhood and business communities.
