The Desert Mashie Golf Club rounded out its 2014 year in style, holding the year-end tournament on December 31, 2014 at Tuscany Falls golf course at Pebble Creek in Goodyear, AZ. 62 players participated, however, unusual, extreme cold along with high winds and rain, caused the tournament to be canceled, with only 5 holes being completed.
Most days the Sonoran Desert sky is bright and sunny at Pebble Creek, but, it would not be so on this particular day. According to Desert Mashie’s George Colebook, “We have our four days of winter—as I call it—coming through. Now, this week temperatures are going to be back up into the 70s.” Colebrook serves the Desert Mashie Golf Club as Area Vice President – Arizona/Colorado, and he is also the Club’s historian.
The Desert Classic New Year Razz golf tournament was organized by Cecil Mosley with assistance from Sean Colebrook, George’s eldest son, and later that same evening, on New Year ’s Eve, a delicious banquet was held at the Pebble Creek Dining Hall where everyone in attendance celebrated with fanfare to bring in the New Year.
On May 5, 2015 the Desert Mashie Golf Club will celebrate its 67th Anniversary and hold a competition between the Western States Golf Association (WSGA). The WSGA consists of 33 clubs in six states. 120 golfers are expected to attend and more details about the tournament will be forthcoming soon.
Photo from left to right: Bobby Daye, Dan Moss, Portland Reed, Sean Colebrook, Jojo Edmonds, Ingriel Gasvey
ABOUT DESERT MASHIE GOLF CLUB
On April 12, 1946, in the early afternoon, two foursomes completed eighteen holes of golf at Encanto Golf Course. The scorers for each foursome sat at a picnic table, in the shade of spiraling trees behind the 18th Green determining the number of “skins”. The other members of the group stood around the table. Their emotions were mixed. There were debits and credits conditions to be satisfied.
Dr. Clarence Bradford, a member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club of Los Angeles, was one of the golfers. He was greatly impressed by the enthusiasm for golf exhibited by the men. This observation prompted him to remark, “You fellows should organize a club.” The rapidity with which the suggestion was accepted and acted upon indicated that a sense of readiness was dormant in each person.
Ernest Bartlett, James “Doc” Earl, Ray Mercado, Densil Purdue and William “Robbie” Robinson appointed Dr. Thomas Crump and Aubrey Aldridge temporary President and Secretary of the organizational group.
On May 10, 1946, an organizational meeting was held, and all persons interested in golf were invited. When this meeting adjourned, the name DESERT MASHIE GOLF CLUB and the following membership roster had emerged:
Dr. Thomas A. Crump, President
Aubrey C. Aldridge, Secretary
Earl Le’Near Bartlett Treasurer
Dr. Lowell C. Wormley
Densil Purdue
Curtis Ramsey
James “Doc” Earl
William “Robbie” Robinson
Ray Mercado
In subsequent meetings, Desert Mashie Golf Club justified its purpose and outlined a program for growth. We believe that a viable golf club has certain basic needs.
Thus, these objectives were established:
1. To provide instructions and clinics for its members
2. To provide organized competition for its members
3. To promote a golf program for youth
4. To promote a golf program for women
5. To develop better public relations in the total golf community.
In 1950, Desert Mashie Golf Club joined the United States Golf Association (USGA) and still maintains its membership to this day. In 1953, Desert Mashie Golf Club became a charter member of the Western States Golf Association (WSGA). From 1946 to 2013, the membership of Desert Mashie Golf Club grew from 10 members to 144 members.
