October 2016
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Howard Richman
Ghost stories tied to golf courses stretch beyond borders and oceans. Check out these possible haunts — if you dare.
Victoria Golf Club
Victoria, British Columbia
The story goes that local woman Doris Galvin was found dead by the shore on the golf course in 1936, and believers say she still haunts the property. “Ridiculous amounts of supposed sightings continue to be documented to this day,” says Tawnya Perdia, Victoria Golf Club’s communications director.
The Garrison
Garrison, N.Y.
A 19th-century graveyard that sits above the 14th green comes complete with aging tombstones that may be hard to ignore. Given that this Hudson Valley course is near where “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” reigns, who could blame you for looking over your shoulder?
Pasatiempo Golf Club
Santa Cruz, Calif.
The ghost of venerable golf course architect Alister MacKenzie roams the golf course, multiple reports attest. Although MacKenzie is more known for designing Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters, his ashes were spread at Pasatiempo GC following his death in 1934.
Church Stretton Golf Club
Shropshire, England
Legend has it that by the time some golfers reach the fairway on the 13th hole, their golf balls have mysteriously disappeared, and this vanishing act has been going on for decades at the course, which major champion Harry Vardon, who won a record six British Opens, helped design.
Aetna Springs Golf Course
Pope Valley, Calif.
The spirits of eight monks purportedly wander this golf course, according to Austad’s Golf Insider. Aetna Springs’ website says it is “reputed to be the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi.”
Howard Richman is GCM’s associate editor.