Madden Golf Course, located in Dayton, Ohio, was one of the city’s most historic public golf courses. Established in 1929, it served as a welcoming destination for golfers of all skill levels for nearly a century. The course was known for its classic design, tree-lined fairways, and small greens that required precision and strategy. Madden was a staple in the Dayton golf community, providing an affordable and accessible option for local golfers while also hosting numerous community events and tournaments over the years.

Beyond its layout, Madden Golf Course held a special place in Dayton’s history as a course that long promoted diversity and inclusivity in the game. It was a gathering place for generations of golfers, particularly within the city’s African American golf community, and played a role in fostering golf’s growth among underserved populations. One of the most significant figures in Madden’s history was Pete Brown, the longtime golf professional at the course. Brown, who became the first African American to win a PGA Tour event in 1964, was instrumental in mentoring and growing the game among local golfers during his tenure at Madden.

In 2020, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and out of an abundance of economic caution, the City of Dayton made the difficult decision to close Madden Golf Course, along with Kittyhawk Golf Course, one of its other municipal properties. This left Community Golf Course as the only remaining golf facility under the city’s management. The closure marked the end of an era for Madden, but its legacy continues to be remembered by those who played there and by the community it served.