This Sunday, the rolling fairways of Cedar Valley Golf Club will host more than just another round of golf—they’ll host a milestone. June 22 marks 50 years since Duffy Martin, a visionary in Oklahoma golf and a larger-than-life personality, opened the course with a simple but meaningful gesture: an open house for friends, neighbors, and anyone with a love for the game.
Back in 1975, Martin and his family welcomed visitors with a smile and a tee time, not knowing that half a century later, Cedar Valley would still be going strong—still family-owned, still golfer-friendly, and still living up to Duffy’s spirited motto: “Get up early, hit the ground running, and pack a light lunch!”
“He always said that,” laughed his daughter, Claudia Flesner. “That’s pretty much what we are still doing today! And don’t look back!”
But on Sunday, the Martin family will take a moment to do just that—to look back, and to celebrate the man who made it all happen.
Duffy Martin, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 98, was more than just a course designer and owner—he was a true character in the world of golf, known for his sense of humor, his welcoming spirit, and his commitment to the everyday golfer. In an age where many courses cater to exclusivity, Duffy built his for the rest of us.
As longtime Oklahoman columnist Berry Tramel wrote in 2015, “Duffy Martin figured out a long time ago that the worst thing about golf is looking for your ball. Time-consuming. Frustrating. Often fruitless.”
Instead of punishing layouts and narrow fairways, Duffy built open, accessible, enjoyable courses where players could relax and have fun without losing a dozen golf balls in the process. His son Jeff Martin, the current head pro at Cedar Valley, summed it up best: “Golfer-friendly.”
Over the years, Cedar Valley became more than just a local treasure. It drew attention from celebrities and sports legends alike—Leslie Nielsen, James and Jack Garner, Joe DiMaggio, Jamie Farr, Jimmy Dean, Dale Robertson, Ronnie Prophet, Enos Slaughter, Wes Welker, Brandon Weeden, Jim Riley, Bo Wininger. They came not just for the course, but for Duffy’s hospitality.
Despite the fame, Cedar Valley never lost its heart. It remains one of the few family-owned and operated golf courses left, with the Martin family at its core. Their dedication, love for the game, and commitment to their community are why the course has lasted and why it continues to thrive.
“We are 100 percent privately owned,” Duffy’s daughter, Darla Colbert said. “You must truly love what you do and respect your partners and employees. It’s very rewarding when a customer notices the slightest improvements, or comments on the hard-working crew we have; or just says ‘thank you’ because they love it here.”
Sunday’s 50th anniversary celebration will be a tribute not just to the course, but to the enduring values that built it. For the Martin family, it’s a time to swap stories, share laughter, and feel the presence of Duffy in every fairway and green.
Duffy’s legacy still lives on, and it is strong.
This Sunday, Cedar Valley isn’t just celebrating 50 years of golf. It’s celebrating 50 years of community, family, and the joy of the game. And in Duffy’s words, it’s a reminder to always keep moving forward—but maybe, just for today, take a moment to look back.
