Writer / Pat Carlini
It is a new year for Old Oakland Country Club at 75th and Oaklandon Road and a milestone for the club as they celebrate 50 years in business! It is also a new beginning for Old Oakland as they open this spring in their new building, which they finished up last year after a fire in 2013.
“It really is a new beginning,” said General Manager Lyle Palmer who has been with the club for 25 years. “Although we moved in May of 2014, it is just like starting the new year off with a new clubhouse. Everyone is excited about the new space and the 50 year anniversary!”
The clubhouse was under construction for almost a year after the building caught fire on a summer night in June almost two years ago after closing for the night.
Palmer, a former Geist resident before moving to Carmel to be closer to his wife’s job in Zionsville, got a call and drove to the clubhouse that night. But upon his arrival, he found there wasn’t much left. The rebuilding process soon began and the construction process was posted on Facebook and social media for all to enjoy.
Golf continued during construction with refreshment tents set up in the parking lot. But, members missed the camaraderie of the bar and restaurant, and were anxious to get back into their clubhouse. Today there is a new patio, dining room, bar and locker rooms. The décor may be all new, but overall Old Oakland remains the same.
“It was built to be a private golf course first,” said Palmer. “The original owners never planned for it to be a place with a pool and tennis courts, just a place to play some good golf and to socialize after.”
Palmer says still their main asset is the 27 hole golf course on more than 200 acres. “We can almost get a member out to play on the course anytime they show up,” said Lyle with a smile. He also said a new chef has been hired and some new menu items will be offered in the new season ahead.
Several anniversary events will also be planned throughout the spring and summer this year to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary!
For more information on Old Oakland Golf Club and Residential Community, call 317-823-0107.
