Fifty-five years ago, Dowagiac’s Rolfe Wells first invited the public to hit the greens on a new nine-hole golf course he built on his farmland off Pokagon Highway.

Today, the distinct, satisfying sound of clubs making contact with tiny white balls still reverberate throughout the nearly 300-acre grounds of Hampshire Country Club — while its original founder, now 96 years old, and his family continue to tend to the greens.

The Dowagiac golf course celebrates its 55th anniversary Saturday, offering special deals and discounts to visitors to the course that day. From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., golfers can enjoy 18-holes, complete with golf cart, for half price; customers can also purchase hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and beer for $1.

The course, one of the oldest family-owned facilities in the city, was opened by Rolfe in the summer of 1961, on his farm grounds. An avid golfer (while attending college, on a bet, he smashed a golf ball through the window of the dorm occupied by his roommate’s girlfriend), he decided to open the course to the public, to share his love of the sport with others.

“At that time, golf was becoming more and more popular,” said Rolfe’s eldest son, Mike. “Through hard work and a lot of time, the farm became a nine-hole course.”

The initial 18-hole course was designed by famed architect Edward “Larry” Packard, with the first nine holes opening first to the public while the last stretch was still under construction.

In the 1990s, the course added an additional 18 holes, known as Dogwood Trail, with the final nine holes opening to the public in 1995.

Over the years, the course has become an essential part of local golfers, with many coming to the course for 40 years or more. The 36-hole course hosts dozens of outings and competitions every year for both local and regional organizations.

While Rolfe continues to work on the grounds today, he is not alone. His sons Mike, Randy, Rolly and Steve have all helped throughout the years, and continue to do so today.

“You lived here, you worked here,” Rolly said.

The course’s appeal reaches far beyond just the links themselves, though. The clubhouse kitchen, operated by Steve’s wife, Laurie, often receives high praise from visitors, especially for her burgers.

The secret to the family’s success, though, lies with the friendly atmosphere the owners have created over the past five decades, with customers and staff often coming to know each other on a first name basis.

“We try to produce the best golfing experience we can for customers,” Rolly said. “We have great food and great prices that you can hardly find anywhere else.”

Hampshire Country Club is located at 29592 Pokagon Highway. For more information, contact the course at (269) 782-7476.