Mrs. Parks Makes a Generous Donation

Mrs. Julie Parks, widow of 1935 U.S. Open winner and Belleair Country Club Member Sam Parks, generously donated a painting of him for the Sam Parks lounge.  The decision to give  the  artwork was a difficult one for Mrs. Parks, who dearly treasured the painting.

When asked by a longtime friend to think about what Sam would have wanted her to do, she made up her mind to donate the piece.  “Sam so loved Belleair Country Club--he nearly lived there,” wrote Parks in a letter to the club. 

The portrait was done in 1974, as a surprise to Mr. Parks.  Although sheepish about the painting, Mrs. Parks writes, “I knew he secretly liked it.”

In fond memory of our late member, the Sam Parks Lounge, Bar and Terrace is a striking tribute to the man known as the sole golfer to escape the infamous sand traps at Oakmont Country Club.  In his time, Sam Parks (1911 – 1997) was an active member, well liked by all.

Please stop into the lounge and view this generous donation.  It is a remarkable work of art and we are all very thankful to Julie Parks for her contribution.