Cuba Lakes Golf Club began with a love story

Lush greens and fairways enhance the setting for the historic clubhouse.

The history of the golf course begins with a love story.

In 1902, William Recklein married Ida Rau. Recklein was a successful banker and investor and a veteran of the Spanish-American War. In 1906, the Reckleins moved from South St. Louis to a farm 1 1/2 miles South of Cuba to what is now 241 Highway O. They built a beautiful home framed with native rock and planted trees to enhance the landscape.

After Ida’s death, Mr. Recklein built the Cuba Memorial Library to honor his wife’s memory. He also purchased the old school buildings and grounds across from the library on North Smith Street in Cuba. He then donated the buildings and grounds to the city of Cuba to be used for education, culture, and recreation. Today, Recklein Commons is the site of the Crawford County History Museum and Recklein Auditorium.

In 1969, Fred Evens brought 57 acres from the Recklein estate and an additional 80 acres across Hwy O from Ruth Johnson, Mr. Recklein’s nurse for several years, and developed the two-lake golf course, which opened in 1973. Rich Richart was the first club pro. Gene Brewer was the grounds manager for 24 years.

A well-run golf club is a community asset for the small Cuba, MO town of 3400. Cuba Lakes Golf Course provides a source of recreation, dining, and draws visitors for a round or two of golf. Under the management of Brad and Renee Voss the club has evolved its onsite lunch dining with daily specials and catering (both on- and offsite) and improved the course, driving range, and cart house.

Today, the course is owned and managed by Brad and Renee Voss. While the course is open to the public, it also has members, leagues, and other special member events. Many community groups hold benefit golf tournaments to raise money for their causes.

Cuba Lakes provide a wide-range of dining choices.

Daily specials in the dining room, Sunday brunch.

The Sunday Brunch is becoming increasingly popular in the area. With an eye on the future, Cuba Lakes has developed special programs for the young people of Cuba. The Recklein home has been remodeled over the years to serve as an attractive dining area and clubhouse, with an outdoor area and a pool.

Whether you play golf, drop in for a tasty lunch, or take advantage of the catering, Cuba Lakes adds one more attraction to Cuba, MO “Route 66 Mural City.”