The Groton Golf and Recreation Association was incorporated in the summer of  1964 as a non-profit organization largely as a result of the efforts of the employees of Smith Corona to provide a family recreation center in the Cortland-Groton area.  The project, which evolved through the years into an 18-hole golf course, with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse, was funded with a loan from the federal government's Farmer's Home Administration.  In addition, the SCM's Employee Club donated $25,000 to the project.  The 18-hole course opened for play in the spring of 1967.  In the following years, with the construction of tennis courts and a swimming pool, the organization ran into financial trouble.   

 In 1983, the association renegotiated a new FmHA loan with a renewed commitment to operate the club as an affordable golf course for rural residents on a financially sound basis.  The tennis courts and swimming pool were eliminated.     Over the past few years, club memberships have averaged 210.  The memberships provide the club with revenue in annual fees, golf cart parking, and storage.  Other key revenues include greens fees, cart rentals from the general public, and sales from the restaurant, bar, and Pro Shop.