In the early 1920's being a member of Southview took real enthusiasm, a healthy checkbook and a strong back. The original sixteen members not only anteed up $1,000 each to purchase the 126 acres of land, that was being used as a truck farm, they built it with their own labor and that of any volunteers they could get to pick rocks, rake sand and cut trees. Interestingly, many had no desire to play golf, but were counted among Southview’s early members largely out of a sense of civic duty. They felt the course was a commendable venture and would be a real asset to South St. Paul and West St. Paul. As early meeting minutes explained "a membership in the Club could not help but increase in value. In other words, a membership in the Club will not be an expense, but a very profitable investment."

In the ensuing years, the financial pressures that continually faced the Club forced the members to sell to a local businessman, Mr. E.D. Loyd. Mr. Loyd would eventually sell the Club to a small group of investors who would ultimately put the Club up for sale in 1975, giving the members the first right of refusal. A small group of members formed a limited partnership and spearheaded a successful effort to buy the Club. The members now owned Southview Country Club and marked the beginning of the Club's financial security and completion of the founding father's dreams.

Today Southview is a vibrant, healthy club under the astute leadership of its members. Together we plan, implement and strive to create a club that is like none other – A club that boasts the best course in the area along with a membership that welcomes all those who would belong.

The Tapemark Charity Pro-Am
The Tapemark Charity Pro-Am was founded in 1972 by Bob Klas, Sr. and Pat Cody Sr. to raise money for non-profit agencies serving people with developmental and learning disabilities. In their first year, they raised $9,000. Their specific goal in creating the Tapemark Pro-Am included three important requirements they considered essential: that the event be a competitive golf event, that it be repeatable, and that the fundraising results from the tournament be commensurate with the effort to carry out the event. In all 3 areas, Klas and Cody succeeded wildly. Since that first tournament in 1972, the Tapemark Pro-Am has raised and donated more than $6,400,000 to the agencies it supports. It has become one of the four major events for the Minnesota Section of the PGA, and has been won by all the greatest professional players in Minnesota golf history. And in 2010, we will celebrate our 39th anniversary as one of the Midwest’s longest-running and most successful charity golf events. Southview donates the use of the course for all three days of the Tapemark, and another day in the fall for the Tapemark Women’s Event. For more information about the Tapemark Charity Pro Am, click here.

Tom Lehman
Tom Lehman from Alexandria, Minn., winner of the 1990 Tapemark Charity Pro-Am (-12): “I remember winning the Tapemark in ’90 very clearly. I won in a playoff on the second extra hole. I also remember the Pro-Am very specifically because it was just a few weeks after our first child was born. I remember her fitting into the little trophy I had won,” said Lehman.

Taking the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am trophy was one of Lehman’s first victories. He went on to become a major force on the professional circuit, compiling more than 23 professional wins, including five on the PGA Tour. In 1996, he won the British Open, the PGA Tour Championship and was named the PGA Player of the Year. He is currently 19th on the alltime PGA money list, with more than $20.3 million in overall winnings.

July 10, 1981 - Mac Davis plays the Tapemark Chairty Pro-Am
Source, Unknown: "Singer-songwriter, Mac Davis has entered the Tapmark Charity Pro-am which will be at Southview Country Club. Mac Davis is a very serious golfer who is paying a $250 entry fee just like any other amateur in the field. Davis is a higly competent amateur player with a handicap 8 at Lakeside Golf Club, Burbank, Ca."