About DAC
Dallas Athletic Club is rich in history, tradition and renowned amenities
It was 1919. President Woodrow Wilson was in office, WWI ended just one year earlier and Babe Ruth just set the season homer mark at 28 off of Yankee Bob Shawkey. In an era America was thriving on hard work, strong character and traditional past times, the idea for the Dallas Athletic Club was inspired. It was then a group of local businessmen pledged one-hundred dollars each to build the eight story downtown athletic facility, complete with a barber shop, billiards, guest and residential suites, ballrooms, dining rooms, lounges, handball and squash courts, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and a health services department.
Our History
Located on a lot in downtown Dallas at Elm,
St. Paul and Live Oak Streets
Dallas Athletic Club Founded
In 1919, a group headed by T.L. Monagan and W.E. Greiner proposed a plan for a downtown athletic club. Monagan was from St. Louis, came to Dallas to work for the railroad. He eventually changed careers, going into the fire insurance business. In 1906 he traveled as an adjuster to San Francisco, following the great earthquake.
He was a businessman and civic leader, but he was best remembered for his athletic achievements. A charter Member of the first Dallas Golf Club, and an organizer of the Dallas Athletic Club. He also helped start the Texas Baseball. League and played catcher for amateur baseball teams.
T.L. Monagan – Tom Monagan, captain of the Dallas Wheel Club, taken in 1887. He led the parade when H.A. Harvey Jr. reached Dallas in 1891
Location
Tom Dees, Sr. Purchases Land
Tom Dees’, Sr. Capital Stock Certificate
Dallas Athletic Club Construction Begins
New downtown building design approved
In 1922, the architectural firm of Lang & Witchell was contracted and given three months to get approved blueprints with 30 days to submit bids on all the items ordered by the club. The building was erected at a total cost of $2.2M.
Artesian Well
Prior to construction in 1922, an Artesian Well that could supply 300,000 gallons of water every 24 hours was dug on the property
Dallas Athletic Club Long & Witchell Architects, Dallas – Building Rendering
Dining Room – Photo Rendering
Reading Room – Photo Rendering
Exterior Façade – Photo Rendering
Dallas Athletic Club Opens Downtown
Tom Dees, Sr. purchases Life Membership Certificate for $1,000 with transferable privileges to children.
Amenities of the Downtown DAC Club
Three residential floors, five office floors, and five club floors. Included were handball/racquetball courts, card room, workout room, swimming pool, gym, bowling alley, boxing ring, meeting rooms, locker rooms, steam rooms, jogging track, ballroom, barber shop, and tailor.
Downtown DAC Opens
The downtown Dallas Athletic Club open with J. Woodall Rodgers, Member and future Mayor of the City of Dallas, in charge of the entertainment.
Dees Certificate
DAC adds Golf & Purchases Land for New Facility
DAC and Glen Lakes Golf & Country Club Merge
In 1944, the DAC and Glen Lakes Golf & CC merged. Glen Lakes was located on Walnut Hill and the Central Expressway. DAC had been working on a month-to-month lease with Walnut Hill Golf Course and that was then terminated.
DAC Purchases Land for New 36-Hole Facility from Chapman Ranch
350 acres (i.e. formerly the Chapman Ranch) were purchased in 1952 by the downtown club with plans to build a 36-hole facility. Total cost was $119,000. In 1952, noted architect Ralph Plummer was hired to build a golf course.
Original Clubhouse at Glen Lakes Golf & Country Club
Ralph “Rabbit” Plummer Hired to Design Golf Courses
Club Courses Under Construction
In March of 1953, Ralph Plummer began his design
Original Clubhouse at Glen Lakes Golf & Country Club
Women’s Tennis and Golf Begins
The card room always has plenty of “kibitzers” as well as players.
Nothing is more refreshing than 40 winks in the cool, quiet nap room.
The stag bar is a popular spot, especially at World Series Time The comfortable reading room is a good place to spend a relaxing hour
Club Courses Under Construction
Fess Parker, best known for his portrayal as Davy Crockett, makes guest appearance at DAC
Fess Parker, best known for his portrayal as Davy Crockett, makes guest appearance at DAC
Tennis Construction almost Complete
Dining Room – Photo Rendering
Reading Room – Photo Rendering
Exterior Façade – Photo Rendering
Modernizing the Downtown DAC
Gymnastics and Twirling
Updates to Living Rooms & Bedrooms
Basketball League & Dog Training
DAC Downtown goes “Modern” with First Floor Updates
Tennis Construction almost Complete
Cardio Cycling
Grooming & Spa Treatments
Coral Plunge
DAC Country Club Golf Courses & Building Brace for Change
DAC Country Club Golf Courses & Building Brace for Change
In 1960, planning for vast improvements were underway, including: elevations, perspectives, renderings of future course development, and plans for building renovations and expansion.
The Gold Course is under Construction
Early Renderings of Golf Course Development and Interior & Exterior Building Updates
Jack Wins PGA Championship with a Score of 279 (Jack’s First of Five)
Tournament Program
Jack Accepts First of Five Wanamaker Trophies
Practice on the Putting Green
Trophy Presentation
Jack teeing off during final round of 1963 PGA Championship
#18 Blue During PGA Championship
#9 Blue During PGA Championship
Letter from the Governor, John Connally
1963 Ryder Cup Team Announced & Photo Taken Post PGA Championship at the DAC (Seated, l to r) Arnold Palmer, Gene Littler, Dow Finsterwald, Billy Casper Jr., Julius Boros; (Standing, l to r) Tony Lema, Dave Ragan Jr., Johnny Pott, Bob Galby, and Billy Maxwel
Graham Ross Retires & DAC Welcomes New Head Golf Pro Ross Collins
Graham Ross Retires after 35 Years of Service as Head Pro
Dining & Dancing at DAC
Ross Collins, New Head Pro at the DAC
Children’s Easter Party
Last surviving founder passes away in 1968
Head Over Heels at the DAC
1963 Ryder Cup Team Announced & Photo Taken Post PGA Championship at the DAC (Seated, l to r) Arnold Palmer, Gene Littler, Dow Finsterwald, Billy Casper Jr., Julius Boros; (Standing, l to r) Tony Lema, Dave Ragan Jr., Johnny Pott, Bob Galby, and Billy Maxwel
Last Call at the DAC Downtown before Building is Sold & Demolished
Downtown Building Sold
Gordon McLendon, radio pioneer and DAC Member, purchased the downtown building for $1,000,000 and hoped to use it for apartments. DAC moved from that location on August 31, 1978.
Club Loses Annexation Exemption
Club sells 13 acres to finance remodel. Land between #5 and #8 Blue sold and developed.
Club sells 13 acres to finance remodel. Land between #5 and #8 Blue sold and developed.
The Last Days
Preparing for Implosion
Downtown Building Going
Jack Renovates the Blue Course
Jack Nicklaus Checks Construction Progress on the Blue Course
Jack working with Golf Course Architect Scott Miller, Course Superintendent Clyde Nettles, and DAC Board Members.
Jack and the DAC agree to renovate the Blue Course & Gold Course
Jack Nicklaus Attends Dedication of the Blue Course
Dedication of the Blue Course – It’s Official!
Jack talking yardages with Caddie Gilbert Freeman, Assistant Pro at the DAC
Jack Putting on clinic at the driving range
Blue Course
Exhibition Dedication Round
Jack Nicklaus Attends Dedication of the Blue Course
Vision Session during Construction Visit of the Gold Course
Discussion with Board Members and subcontractors regarding course design intent, design agenda, and construction strategies
Jack Nicklaus Confers with Team During Construction on the Gold Course
Working with Golf Course Architect Tom Pearson (left) on Nicklaus Design for the Gold Course
The Super
Jack chats with Golf Course Superintendent, Clyde Nettles
Construction on the Gold Course
Jack Nicklaus Attends Dedication of the Gold Course
Dedication of the Gold Course
Sunrise at the DAC the day of Dedication
Jack puts on clinic at the Driving Range
Jack being introduced to the First Tee
Like the classic wester folk song, at the DAC, Jack is Home, Home, “Home on the Range”
DAC Plays Host to the 1997 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship
USGA awards Ken Bakst the Robert T. Jones Memorial Trophy
The 39-year-old Bakst rallied from a two-hole deficit at the turn by shooting four-under par for the last 11 holes. The two players went to the last hole tied and both put their drives in the fairway. Bakst played first from 153 yards and knocked his shot four feet below the hole. Stimmel’s shot landed 25 feet away and when he missed his birdie attempt, Bakst had only the short tap-in for victory.
Stimmel congratulates Bakst
It was the first national amateur victory for Bakst, who was the captain of the 1980 Stanford University men’s golf team. With his victory, he earned the Robert T. Jones Memorial Trophy, and an invitation to play in the 1998 Masters in Augusta, Ga.
1997 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship
Jack Visits to Implement New Nicklaus Design Changes to the DAC
Shop Talk
Discussions of course changes with Golf Course Architect Chet Williams and Golf Course Superintendent Kevin Nettles.
Dennis Ewing giving out new DAC hat
Jack Nicklaus Receives the MGA Bob Wells Award for Outstanding Members
TV Interview
Jack announces Nicklaus Design’s new changes to DAC and how honored he is to receive the Bob Wells Award
In 2003, Jack Shares Vision with Members
DAC Golf Courses Get Updated by Nicklaus Design
Nicklaus Design Updates the Blue Course and the Gold Course
5 Gold
11 Blue
7 Blue
2 Gold
18 Gold
10 Gold
Nicklaus Design Resurfaces Greens on the Blue Course and the Gold Course
4 Gold
13 Gold
Blue Course Putting Green
2 Gold
Nicklaus Design Updates
Dennis Ewing Retires
Nicklaus Design Updates the Blue Course and the Gold Course
In 2007, DAC and SMU Make Agreement.
Colt Knost of Dallas, after finishing Senior Season at SMU, earns 2007 U.S. Amateur Championship
In 2009, Kelly Kraft ranked No. 1 golfer in the nation. SMU men’s golf ranked No. 12.
Lady Mustangs getting ready to tee off at the DAC
SMU’s Bryson DeChambeau wins the 2015 NCAA Men’s Golf Individual Championship
In 2011, Kelly Kraft win U.S. Amateur Championship with SMU teammates looking on
DAC’s expansive short-game practice area covers more than eight acres and features four greens, giving you the opportunity to work on every level of the short game, from putting, chipping to pitch shots and bunker play. The Club’s state-of-the art practice facilities were planned by Chet Williams, Golf Course Architect, of Nicklaus Design.
Dennis Ewing Head Golf Pro
Lance Patterson, PGA Class A Professional
Game Practice Facility
Renovation Begins & Clubhouse Interior Undergoes Remodel
Kids’ Tennis at the DAC
Women’s Tennis at the DAC
Lounge
Oak Room
Royal Room
Wine Room
Dining Room
Ladies Card Room
9 ½
19th Hole & Bar
19th Hole & Bar Renderings
Tennis Center Reno commences with New Sidewalks, Landscap and Drainage
DAC Embraces Master Plan
New Porte-cochere addition to façade of DAC Clubhouse
Live Music during Back Porch Fridays & 4th of July
Added Outdoor Dining Facility
Wedding Bells
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
DAC Opens New Teaching Center for Golf
The Club’s Teaching Center features two indoor hitting bays with state-of-the-art video swing analysis and flight scope launch monitor.
DAC Takes Plunge with Changes to Pool Bar, ClubKids, and Fitness Center
DAC Unveils Renderings for Fitness Center Expansion, ClubKids, and Pool Bar
Master Plan
Fitness Center Perspective
Pool Bar Perspective
ClubKids Exterior Perspective
DAC Continues to Welcome Members Year after Year to the 4th of July Celebration & Annual Fireworks Show.
Master Plan Implementation of Golf Course and Clubhouse Continues
Construction Continues
Sport Court – Multi-Sport Court ready for basketball & racquet sports
Phase 1 – Golf Master Plan
Complete Bunker Renovation of the Blue Course and Gold Course
DAC Voted 2016 Best of Private Clubs by Avid Golfer
“DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB tops our Mid-Priced category for the second year in a row, at its stop at the peak of the mountain is well-deserved. Although it may be overlooked by the public due to its location, DAC has the on-course excellence and off-course quality to compete with any club, at a price point that is extremely reasonable. The Blue Course received all-new pearly white bunkers last year, and the Gold Course is getting the same treatment, and should be completed soon.” – Avid Golfer
Ground-Up Construction Commences with Fitness Center Expansion
Construction Complete
Fitness Center Expansion
ClubKids
Pool Bar
Splash Pad & Main Driveway
Project Complete at…
DAC Prepares for Centennial Year
Centennial Park’s New Clock has Arrived
From Shop Drawing
To Install Complete
Construction underway at both Blue & Gold Courses, and Short Game Practice Facility
Tee boxes stripped, leveled, and resodded. Greens at Short Game Area seeded, banks resodded, leveling existing tees, and cart paths rerouted.
DAC Logo gets New Look to Celebrate 100 Years
1919-1921
1922-1924
1925
1944-1952
1945-1955
1955
1956-1958
1960
1963
1967-1968
1978-1981
1984-1985
1986
1987-1988
1989-1990
1997
2001-2003
2005
2007-2010
2012-2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2019
