Frank Bartasius On Course to the Hall of Fame

by Jackie Rybeck
     
     POLAND – Each year the Maine Golf Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals who are players, contributors to or promoters the game of golf.
     One of those inducted with this prestigious award is Frank Bartasius, owner of Fairlawn Golf Course in Poland, whose name will be etched in the history books alongside George Walker Bush, Mark Plummer and Dick Harris.
     Gary Rees, executive director of the Hall explains the induction process.
      “We usually have an average of 10 to 12 nominees,” explained Rees. “The board then narrows it down to four or five that stand out. We put them on a ballot and they are voted on by the board and a selection committee made up of past inductees, directors and press representatives.”
     According to Rees, Bartasius is a well-deserving inductee.
     “Other than being an all-around great guy and lover of golf, he stood out for his contribution to the game. Frank has been promoting golf for 50 years by keeping his rates affordable. By making it affordable, more people are able to play. He has promoted junior programs and he is just a humble character that personifies what golf is all about.”
     And humble he is.
     “I’m just lucky to have been chosen,” Bartasius said with a shy grin. “I’ve been lucky enough to have golf in my life and help those who want to play afford to. I’ve always said I wanted Fairlawn to be a poor-man’s course so that anyone who wants to play can.”
     The 91-year-old has been involved with golf since the '30s, caddying at Martindale and later at Poland Spring. He was sidelined by WWII, but after the war returned to his life on the links.
     He was asked to manage the nine-hole golf course, known as Summit Springs and after 10 years of hard work, decided to find land and build a new golf course. In 1962, he purchased two farm houses on the Empire Road, moved the clubhouse from Summit and began building his dream. 14 months later, one of the few 18-hole golf courses was established.
     Although four children and the golf course kept Frank quite busy, he still managed to become a Class A golf pro in 1958 and is currently the longest-running PGA member in the state of Maine.
     Bartasius has also found golf to be his fountain of youth and still is involved in every aspect at the course. If he is not out with the course superintendent checking the greens, he can be found out on the links with a swing of a 40-year-old.
     “This place has kept me young!” he laughed. “Of course I’m at the point where I play three or four holes and need a nap, but I get out there as often as I can.”
     Even the family dog, coincidently named Maxfli, lived to be 19 by chasing his master around the golf course on a daily basis.
     “Maxfli was put to rest on 18,” he said. “Members all know where he is; there is a marker of flowers next to a tree.”
     “It’s a free lift!” he added.
     Bartasius will be inducted at a ceremony at Val Halla Country Club in September.