Epilogue
During the past century, at least forty golf courses have been built within approximately twenty miles of Temple Terrace. Roughly a third of them were subsequently replaced by housing developments. A majority of the rest have either been shut down for a period of time and then reopened under new management or filed for bankruptcy (at least once) and then recapitalized under new ownership. How has Temple Terrace managed to avoid the same fate considering none of the others had to survive the entire hundred years?
It’s definitely not because TT had the deepest pockets; it’s definitely not because TT was located in the most affluent community; it’s definitely not because TT offered the most amenities; and it’s definitely not because TT hasn’t been tested.
The answer might be found in words written many years ago by a well-traveled corporate executive in his hand-written letter of resignation from the Club when he said,
“I hereby reluctantly tender my resignation from the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club. My age (87 ½) and health do not allow me to play golf anymore or to enjoy the social activities the Club provides. I have fully enjoyed the 25 years of membership (two separate occasions) and after belonging to ten country clubs throughout the U. S., including Palma Ceia and Avila, I can truly say that this has been my most enjoyable experience. Thanks to all the members and staff for a job well done.”
Or perhaps the answer can be found in words penned by a former Club President in his final Score Card Newsletter commentary when he stated,
“We can’t be sure what challenges the next fifty years will bring, but we will prosper because we see our Club as something vital to our community. We are all in this together.”
Why has our Club sustained while so many others have not? It can only be because the members and staff of the Temple Terraced Golf & Country Club have been successfully dedicated to,
“Providing an exceptional golf and country club experience as well as an inviting social atmosphere while creating and preserving rich family traditions since 1922”
