Paul Makray Sr. started a public golf course in 1962, called Thunderbird. His vision was to create a joyous and family-friendly golfing experience without the exclusion of membership. Nearly ten years after his passing in 1999, his family decided to honor him by drastically remodeling and revamping the course and clubhouse in June 2002. Nearly three years later, Makray Memorial Golf Club was officially opened and became what it is today.