Ever wonder where Donald Ross began his American journey? It started right here at Oakley Country Club. Founded in 1898, Oakley Country Club is a private 18-hole golf club in Watertown Massachusetts.
Oakley Country Club holds a special place in American golf history. It marks the start of Donald Ross’s American journey. This journey led to the design of hundreds of courses. These include clubs that have hosted nearly 100 U.S. Amateur or Open Championships.
Donald Ross’s connection to Oakley Country Club is unique. It was his very first commission in America. Ross wasn’t just a designer here. He worked at Oakley for 11 years from 1898 to 1909. His roles included course designer superintendent and pro.
Before Ross, a young golfer arrived from Scotland to redesign Oakley’s course. He also wanted to compete professionally in America. That golfer was Donald Ross. Oakley Country Club gave him his first job as a club professional.
Oakley Country Club has a classic layout. Fairways stretch across 88 acres on historic Strawberry Hill. It’s Watertown’s highest point. This offers great views of the surrounding cities.
The course at Oakley is considered the first 18-hole golf layout in Massachusetts. Oakley Country Club is a founding member of both the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Golf Association.
Many notable people are associated with Oakley. These range from state and national champions to U.S. Presidents. Theodore Roosevelt Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy all played here. All three were Harvard collegians.
The signature hole at Oakley Country Club is the 15th. It is a 158-yard par 3. It requires a tee shot over a pond to a small green. Watch out for the 6th hole. It is a 529-yard par 5. It’s also the number one handicap hole.
The original Oakley clubhouse had historical significance. It was the only suburban residence designed by Charles Bulfinch. Bulfinch was a great American architect. Sadly a fire destroyed it in 1963.
Dan Mee Oakley’s club historian said the membership respects its history. He added that Ross brought tremendous pride to the club. People know many clubs did not make it this far. Our predecessors made smart decisions. We are thriving because of it.
In 1905 Ross won the first Mass Open. He sent $2000 to his mother in Scotland. This paid for a second story on the family home. It was later named the “Oakley Cottage”.
Oakley Country Club will forever be known as the “Home of American Golf Architecture”. It all started right here. Ross’s legacy lives on.