The exact origins of golf in the USA are lost to history. Presumably, migrating Europeans brought the game to the US from across the Atlantic in the 17th century. Several golf clubs claim they have the oldest golf course in the US. While it took a while for golf to take its roots and become popular in the united states, it has thrived since the late 19th century. Today many of these golf courses in the US are modeled after Scotland and still provide golfing facilities – though somewhat exclusively.
What Are The Founding Five?
The Founding Five are five golf clubs in the US that lay claim to being the oldest. In 1894, they also came together to create the USGA (United States Golf Association).
These clubs are:
- Newport Country Club (in Rhode Island)
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (on Long Island, New York)
- The Country Club (in Brookline, Mass.)
- Chicago Golf Club (in Wheaton, Illinois)
- Saint Andrew’s Golf Club (in New York)
This quintet of golf clubs is also called “The Founding 5” or “the Five Founders” or just The Founding Five. We will be discussing these five and some more in the following paragraphs.
What Are The Oldest Golf Courses in the US?
Below are the oldest golf courses in the state. While some are open to the public, most remain exclusive golfing destinations.
Saint Andrews Golf Club (1897)
The Saint Andrews Golf Club is one of the five founding members of the United States Golf Association. It was founded on 29 September 1843 as the St Andrews Mechanics Golf Club by local tradesmen. The course evolved into its current layout without the help of any one particular architect. However, Daw Anderson and Old Tom Morris made notable contributions in the 1850s and early 1900s. Old Tom Morris designed the famous 1st and 18th holes. It is a private club, and membership is by invitation only.
Chicago Golf Club (1892)
Founded in 1892, the Chicago Golf Club is a private golf club. It’s located in Wheaton, Illinois, and has been crowned the oldest 18-hole course in North America. It was designed by Charles B. Macdonald, the “father of American golf course architecture.” He modeled several holes after famous British and Scottish holes. The course has been renovated over the years but still retains its original layout. Over the years, it has hosted several prominent events, including Walker Cups and US Opens.
The Country Club (1882)
Another member of the Founders Five, The Country Club in Brooklyn, Massachusetts, was founded in 1882. Its course was designed by Scottish architect and golfer Willie Campbell. In 1897, the club moved to its current location in Brookline. The new course layout was designed by famed architect Rees Jones. It has hosted several USGA championships, including the 1913 and 1988 US Opens, won by Francis Ouimet and Curtis Strange, respectively. The club is private, and membership is available only by invitation.
Newport Country Club (1893)
The Newport Country Club is another historic golf site. It was founded in 1893, and the original 9-hole layout was designed by William “Willie” Davis in 1894. He later upgraded it to 18-holes. A. W. Tillinghast also remodeled the course layout in 1923. It has hosted several championships, including the first US Amateur in 1895 and the first US Open in 1895 (won by Horace Rawlins). It is another private and exclusive club; membership is only by invitation.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (1891)
Shinnecock is a links-style golf club. It’s believed to be the oldest incorporated golf club in the US, has the oldest (1892) golf club in the US, and holds the distinction of being the first American golf club to allow women members, which it did since its opening. The original 12-hole layout was designed by Scottish stonemason David McLay Kidd. In 1886, it was expanded to 18 holes. In 1895, the club hosted its first US Open, which was won by Englishman Horace Rawlins. It has hosted five US opens so far. The club is private, and membership is by invitation only.
Downers Grove Golf Club (1892)
The Downers Grove Golf Club was founded in 1892 as the original Chicago Golf Club. It is the oldest public golf course in Illinois and the second oldest in America. The course layout was designed by Charles B. Macdonald. In 1896, the club moved to Wheaton, and the Downers Grove course was taken over by the Village of Downers Grove. It has remained mostly unchanged since then. In 1968, it was purchased by the Downers Grove Park District and renamed the Downers Grove Golf Club.
Quogue Field Club (1887)
Founded in 1887, the Quogue Field Club is a private golf club on Long Island and the oldest golf course in New York. The original location was a mile farther than the current location. It was built in two parts. Its original 9-hole layout was designed by Tom Bendelow in 1902 and retains most of its original design today. In 1921, another was added under the supervision of James Hepburn. The course has been updated over the years but retains its original layout. It is one of the few golf clubs that has never held a professional tournament.
Foxburg Country Club (1887)
The Foxburg Country Club in Pennsylvania is home to the oldest golf course in continuous operation in the United States. It opened in 1887 and has been in operation ever since. For its design, major contributions have come from Starrett, Goldwin, Vleck, and Van. It has a 9-hole layout and contains the American Golf Hall of Fame. The museum houses antique golf clubs and artifacts from different eras of the game in the US. Foxburg Country Club is open to the public and offers golf lessons and other amenities.
Dorset Field Club (1886)
The Dorset Field Club opened in 1886 with a 9-hole layout and claims to be the oldest continuously operated golf course in the USA, like Foxburg. It was designed by Tom Bendelow and went through multiple renovations. In 1997, local architect Steve Durkee created the inward half of the holes while it expanded to the current 18 holes layout in 1999. The course has been updated over the years but still retains some of its old charms. It is one of the few golf clubs that has never held a professional tournament.
Oakhurst Golf Club (1884) – Oldest Golf Course in the US
The Oakhurst is a historic golf course in White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The 9-Hole course was conceived in 1884 and designed on the basis of the traditional Scottish golf course design elements. The Oakhurst is the oldest 9-hole golf course in the US and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This course was damaged by floods in 2016 and had to close down for several years. Today, it is an exclusive golf club and only available to guests.
Key Takeaways on The Oldest Golf Courses In the US
So there you have it, the oldest golf courses in the USA. These courses have a rich history and are still in operation today. Many clubhouses on these courses are also on the National Register of Historic Places. They contain rich imagery and artifacts of history. If you are ever in the area, check them out!
FAQs
What is the oldest golf club in North America?
The Oakhurst Golf Club in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, is believed to be the oldest golf club in North America. It became operational in 1884.
What is the oldest golf course in the world?
According to Archbishop Hamilton’s Charter in 1552, the Old Course at St Andrews Links, Scotland, UK, is the oldest golf course in the entire world.
Where was the first 18-hole golf course in the US?
The first 18-hole golf course in the US was at the Oakhurst Golf Club. It was built in 1884 and is still in operation today.