Past Exhibit
Out of the Sand examines more than 50 years of Marco Island golf history through historical images and objects from the MIHS collections. From the first pitch-and-putt golf course on the beach, golf has been a significant part of Marco Island’s identity since the 1960s.
The Marco Island Country Club — today known as The Island Country Club — has a long and illustrious history having hosted many of Marco Island’s world-famous golfing pros and other celebrities. The golfing world’s rising star, Tony Lema, was recruited in 1965 to be the Marco Island Country Club’s first professional golf pro. Tragically, he and his wife were killed in a plane crash in 1966.
The Marco Island Country Club’s first Tony Lema Memorial Tournament was held in 1967 in his memory. It was a star-studded event that included golfing greats Gene Sarazen, Bobby Nichols, Arnold Palmer and Buddy Allin, alongside major celebrities such as Mickey Mantle, Peter Falk, Perry Como, Glenn Campbell and others.
This fun and interactive exhibit, which features many more interesting stories on Marco Island’s significant golf history and its own three-hole “course,” is a hole-in-one for all ages.
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FUNDING FOR THIS EXHIBIT GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY
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