Lakeland in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cleveland Heights Golf Course
Est. 1925
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 27, 2025
1. Cleveland Heights Golf Course Est. 1925 Marker Side 1
Initially drawn to Lakeland by baseball spring training, the area's natural beauty, and the opportunity to develop land, H.A. Stahl and associates from Cleveland, Ohio, purchased 560 acres of land on the south side of Lake Hollingsworth that extended to the Lakeland Highlands area for $935.000 in October of 1924.
On this land, Stahl created a housing development and golf course named the Cleveland Heights Golf Course in 1925. Advertised as a "paradise for the home of your dreams but also an unexcelled opportunity for community club life," every homeowner who bought property from Stahl became a member and stockholder in the Cleveland Heights Golf and Country Club.
From 1925 to 1932, Cleveland Heights was a successful private golf course. By 1932, the economic downturn and delinquent taxes resulted in Stahl selling the property to the city of Lakeland.
(Continued on other side)
(Continued from other side)
Since 1932, the Cleveland Heights Golf Course has been open to the public as a center for community in Lakeland. Through events such as the 4-Ball Invitational and the Dexter Daniels Parent/Child Golf Tournament,
this page online
As Cleveland Heights celebrates 100 years of operation, an advertisement in the local newspaper written in 1926 remains true: "Cleveland Heights is rapidly becoming the greatest residential and recreational center of this great community. Come and see it, it belongs to Lakeland - and it belongs to you."
This Historical Marker is placed in honor of Andy Bean (1953-2023), 11- time PGA Tour winner and local Lakelander, who had an immeasurable impact on the world of golf in Lakeland and around the nation.
A Polk County Heritage Site
Erected 2023 by Polk County Historical Commission - The City of Lakeland - Cleveland Heights Golf Course. (Marker Number PCHC-038.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1924.
Location. 28° 0.594′ N, 81° 56.722′ W. Marker is in Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County. It can be reached from Buckingham Avenue just south of Woodward Street. Marker is located on the edge of the golf course behind the 1916 Irish Pub.
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 27, 2025
2. Cleveland Heights Golf Course Est. 1925 Marker Side 2
Regionally, this marker is in Central Florida. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Thomas B. Mack Park (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Frank Lloyd Wright Campus of Florida Southern College (approx. 1½ miles away); The Sorosis Club Building (approx. 2 miles away); The Women's Club of Lakeland (approx. 2.1 miles away); Second Mass. Infantry Camp (approx. 2.1 miles away); Kelly Gardens (approx. 2.2 miles away); Hennesy Plaza (approx. 2.2 miles away); Brown Plaza (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeland.
Also see . . . Cleveland Heights Golf Course.
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 27, 2025
3. Cleveland Heights Golf Course Est. 1925 Marker
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 27, 2025
4. 1916 Irish Pub and clubhouse
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2025, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 29, 2025, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
