Timeless Tradition: Discovering the Top 8 Oldest Country Clubs in America

Country clubs have a long and storied history in America, with many of the oldest clubs dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Here are the eight oldest country clubs in America with golf courses, listed in order of founding date.

Oldest Country Clubs in America

1. The Country Club – Brookline, Massachusetts (1882) The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, is widely considered to be the oldest country club in America. It was founded in 1882 as a social club for golf enthusiasts, and its 27-hole course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup.
   
2. St. Andrews Golf Club – Hastings-on-Hudson, New York (1888) Founded in 1888, St. Andrews Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States. The club’s original 9-hole course was designed by renowned architect Devereux Emmet, and it has since expanded to 18 holes.
   
3. The Apawamis Club – Rye, New York (1890) Founded in 1890, The Apawamis Club is one of the oldest and most exclusive country clubs in the New York City area. Its original golf course was designed by Willie Dunn, Jr., and it has since been redesigned by several notable architects.
   
4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – Southampton, New York (1891) Founded in 1891, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in America. Its original course was designed by Willie Davis, and it has since been updated by several notable architects. The club has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
   
5. Chicago Golf Club – Wheaton, Illinois (1892) Founded in 1892, the Chicago Golf Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in the United States. Its original 18-hole course was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, and it has since been updated by several notable architects.
   
6. Newport Country Club – Newport, Rhode Island (1893) Founded in 1893, the Newport Country Club is one of the oldest and most historic country clubs in New England. Its original golf course was designed by renowned architect Donald Ross, and it has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
   
7. Merion Golf Club – Ardmore, Pennsylvania (1896) Founded in 1896, Merion Golf Club is one of the most historic golf clubs in America. Its East Course was designed by Hugh Wilson, and it has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
   
8. Garden City Golf Club – Garden City, New York (1899) Founded in 1899, the Garden City Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs on Long Island. Its original course was designed by Devereux Emmet, and it has since been updated by several notable architects.

These eight clubs are among the most prestigious and oldest country clubs in America, and their golf courses have played a significant role in the development of the sport in the United States.