Louisville Metro To Honor Carl Owen

On Friday, July 26, 2019 at 10AM, Metro Councilman Stuart Benson (District 20), Kevin Kramer (District 11) and Robin Engel (District 22) will unveil a plaque honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Carl E. Owen. The event will take place at the Charlie Vettiner Golf Course’s clubhouse and is open to the public.

Mr. Owen served as a Head Golf Professional within the Louisville Metro Parks System for 37 years. His leadership over the years led to the growth and development of the Charlie Vettiner Golf Course into one of the best courses in Kentucky as well as helping to grow its youth program into one of the largest in the community.

Mr. Carl E. Owen graduated from Shawnee High School in 1957 where he lettered in both Golf and Basketball. He attended the University of Kentucky on a golf scholarship. Carl turned professional in 1961 and began his career as an assistant golf pro under Fithian Shaw at Owensboro Country Club. His golf career was briefly interrupted in 1962, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  Carl served two years of active duty and four years in the Army Reserve. After he finished his two years of active duty, he was hired as an assistant to Gordon Leishman at Idlehour Country Club in Lexington, KY.  He worked at Idlehour from 1964 to 1967. In May, 1967 he was hired by Charlie Vettiner as the Head Golf Professional of the new 9 hole Chenoweth Golf Course.  Carl remained as the Head PGA Golf Professional for over 37 years until his retirement in 2004.  His dedication to the youth, the golf course, & all who played here was fulfilling & exemplary.

Carl had many accomplishments during his career, but his greatest joy was the development of young juniors that worked for him & the junior golfers in his programs. This is Carl’s lasting legacy.  At one time, Charlie Vettiner had the largest junior program in the Metropolitan area. He taught these youth much more than golf.  He was their teacher, their mentor, and a positive role model.  He was a fill in parent and head cheerleader to them all.  He taught them that love and respect for their families, along with their education, were paramount.  Some of these players went on to play collegiate golf, some won major tournaments, some even became head PGA professionals.