Remember Francis Ouimet. His stunning victory at the 1913 U.S. Open here at The Country Club forever changed golf in America. This is not just any club. The Country Club is the oldest golf-oriented country club in the United States.
Established in 1882, The Country Club holds a unique place in golf history. It was one of the five charter clubs that founded the United States Golf Association in 1894. That makes The Country Club a true pioneer.
But there’s more to the story. The original focus wasn’t even golf. The club was first dedicated to horseback riding and other outdoor activities. Golf came later, with the first course built in 1893. Imagine the early days. Golfers shared space with a pre-existing racetrack. Conflicts arose between golfers and other club members.
The golf course evolved gradually. It wasn’t the vision of a single architect. Three club members designed the first six holes in 1893. Willie Campbell, a Scottish professional, expanded it to nine holes that summer. By 1899, it was a full 18 holes. The Haskell golf ball’s popularity necessitated further lengthening around 1902. Two members designed three new holes that opened in 1908.
The Country Club hosted the 1913 U.S. Open. It was a watershed moment. Heavy favorites Harry Vardon and Ted Ray faced an unexpected challenger. That challenger was 20-year-old amateur Francis Ouimet. Ouimet grew up across the street. He was a former caddie at the club. After 72 holes, Ouimet tied the legends. An 18-hole playoff was set. Ouimet soundly defeated Vardon and Ray. Newspaper stories ignited the American public’s imagination. Golf’s popularity exploded. The number of golfers tripled in the next decade. Golf courses sprung up across the country, many of them public.
The Country Club hosted the U.S. Open again in 1963 and 1988. These were the 50th and 75th anniversaries of Ouimet’s victory. However, the 100th anniversary in 2013 was held at Merion Golf Club. The Country Club instead hosted the 2013 U.S. Amateur.
The Ryder Cup came to The Country Club in 1999. A controversial 45-foot putt by Justin Leonard ignited a wild celebration. American players stormed the green before José María Olazábal could attempt his putt. Olazábal missed. The event became known as the “Battle of Brookline.”
Today, The Country Club boasts 27 holes. These holes are divided into two courses. The Main Course combines the Clyde and Squirrel nines, which are the original 18 holes. The Primrose Course is an executive nine-hole course designed by William S. Flynn in 1927.
For major competitions, The Country Club uses a composite course. It combines holes from the Primrose and Main Courses. This creates a longer layout. This course was altered for the 2022 U.S. Open. The par-4 4th hole of the Main Course was removed. The par-3 12th hole of the Main Course was added. This resulted in a 7,312-yard par-70 layout. Matt Fitzpatrick won the 2022 U.S. Open here.
From its humble beginnings to its storied championships, The Country Club remains a symbol of golf’s rich history and enduring appeal. As you explore this hallowed ground, remember the legends who walked these fairways and the moments that shaped the game.