Paul McClure

Paul J. McClure was a known inventor and the developer of one of the oldest Central Florida golf courses, Casselberry Golf Club. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Paul died in January 1988 at his home in Casselberry, at age 96. Before his death, Paul became known for many things due to his skills and talents in various industries, not just golf. He was a Protestant and an Army veteran of World War II.

In the early 1920s, Paul started his career as a young inventor. The Orlando Sentinel reported that he was credited for designing spats clothing with a zipper instead of buttons. At the time, his patent became successful, and he partnered with a glove manufacturer, which made his style of the lower leg covering, to sell the product commercially.

Paul’s inventions didn’t stop there. Around the early 1950s, Paul, as a golf player himself, tried to create a four-wheel cart using a motorcycle engine. Unfortunately, his invention wasn’t as successful as his spats' creation and Paul reportedly didn’t apply for its patent. Other manufacturers were able to allegedly copy his design, which he was convinced was the first golf cart in history.

In 1955, Paul tried to refocus and settled on the development of a golf course – Casselberry Golf Club – were he chose to stay and manage the club until 1961. Aside from his career as a developer and inventor, Paul was also involved in bowling, boxing, and auto shops. As a prominent citizen of Casselberry, he was also deeply involved in city politics.

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Website: https://www.golfdigest.com/places-to-play/fl/casselberry-golf-club-casselberry