The Rusty Nail

The history of the Rusty Nail Golf Outing actually dates back to March 2, 1835 when Joseph H. Hollaway received a Government Land Grant for 164 acres signed by Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States of America for a parcel of land in Brown Township, Hendricks County, Indiana. Joseph Hollaway is the Great-Great Grandfather of Russell L. Hollaway. Russell is also the Great-Great-Great Grandson of William Harris, the founder of Harrisburg (changed to Brownsburg in 1836). The Hollaway family eventually owned over 317 acres. This ground was continuously owned and farmed by the Hollaway family until 1993 when a portion was sold for development of West Chase Golf Club. Part of the back nine was included in the original Land Grant. West Chase opened for play in 1996.

Russ Hollaway was always an athlete. In 1956 while in high school Russ suffered a case of polio that would affect him physically the remainder of his life. This condition did stop Russ from many activities, including playing a round of golf. Long before West Chase opened, Russ and his family and friends played in an annual golf outing starting in 1988 (35 years ago). It was played at several courses until it found a permanent home at West Chase. The Rusty Nail has been played at West Chase since 1996.

Russ was instrumental, not only in the development of the golf course, but also in the West Chase Golf Men’s Club. Hundreds of golfers have become friends because Russ made the decision to allow the family land to be used by others. The West Chase Men’s Club now boasts over 100 members and is the largest such club in Indiana.

Although Russ passed away in 2012, his wife, Sharon K. (Stout) Hollaway and two sons, Michael and Douglas have kept the tradition going. Each year the proceeds of the outing are donated to the American Cancer Society.

The Rusty Nail is part of a rich Hoosier history that needs to live on. The effort it took Russ to play is an inspiration to all and the Rusty Nail is now played in his memory.