Archives : 2010 : June

An Icon Passes

GENE “BUNNY” MASON  1927 – 2010

Gene C. “Bunny” Mason was born in Moro, Oregon on December 15, 1927. He came from a large family with eight siblings and was always active in sports at Salem High School. In Bunny’s own words from his autobiography he said, “Once I became a professional golfer, I never looked back.”

He was hired in 1951 as the golf pro at Salem Golf Club and stayed there until October 1960 when he was invited to become the golf pro at Columbia Edgewater Country Club where he continued to teach until his passing.  Bunny’s history with Black Butte Ranch began when he was approached in August 1970 by Mike Hollern (then chairman of Brooks Resources) and Bob Harrison (then president of Brooks Resources). As Bunny states “the original plan was to build a nine-hole golf course and a large number of tennis courts.  Tennis was a big game in the 1970s.  But we worked things out in a hurry and we ended up with thirty-six holes of golf before it was done.” Bunny designed the Glaze Meadow golf course at the Ranch which will begin renovation later this year by John Fought, golf course architect.

Back in 1961 while speaking at a service club event Bunny said, “it is my pleasure to predict that the whole world will be coming to Central Oregon before I die.”  He also predicted that there would be 25 golf courses in Central Oregon before he died.  Well, he lived to see more than 30 courses built.

Bunny was also the golf course designer of Awbrey Glen, Crooked river Ranch, Eagle Crest -  Resort Course, Fairway Village, Green Mountain, Middlefield Village, Persimmon Country Club and Skamania Lodge.

Bunny, if you’re reading this, may you always get a hole-in-one and thank you for helping to create such a spectacular place to enjoy.

Katie Williams