Farmington Country Club Charlottesville VA | Membership Cost, Amenities, History, What To Know When Visiting

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Farmington Country Club is a private club located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The club features a championship golf course, tennis courts, a fitness center, swimming pools, dining facilities, and event spaces. It was founded in 1927 and has since been a staple of the local community.


In addition to its recreational facilities, Farmington Country Club is known for its elegant clubhouse, which features a variety of dining rooms and banquet halls for private events. The club also offers a variety of social and cultural programs for its members, including lectures, art exhibits, and musical performances.

Farmington Country Club is a popular destination for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Its beautiful grounds and elegant facilities provide a picturesque backdrop for any event.

Farmington Country Club History and Founding

Farmington Country Club was founded in 1927 by a group of Charlottesville residents who wanted to create a private club where they could gather for social and recreational activities. The club was initially located on a 275-acre property known as “Farmington,” which had been owned by Thomas Jefferson’s friend and physician, Dr. George Gilmer.

The club’s founders hired golf course architect Fred Findlay to design a championship golf course on the property. Findlay, who had previously worked on several other notable golf courses, including the Westchester Country Club in New York and the Atlanta Athletic Club in Georgia, designed a course that took advantage of the property’s natural terrain, incorporating rolling hills and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The original clubhouse was designed by noted architect Waddy Wood and was modeled after Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic estate located just a few miles away. Over the years, the clubhouse has been expanded and renovated to accommodate the club’s growing membership and changing needs.

Today, Farmington Country Club is one of the premier private clubs in Virginia and continues to be a hub of social and recreational activity for its members.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Farmington Country Club

While Farmington Country Club has hosted a number of golf tournaments over the years, the most famous one is likely the 1955 PGA Championship. The tournament was held on Farmington’s championship golf course, which had been redesigned by golf course architect Dick Wilson in the years leading up to the event.

The 1955 PGA Championship was won by Doug Ford, who defeated Cary Middlecoff in a playoff to capture his first major championship. The victory propelled Ford to the top of the PGA Tour’s money list that year and cemented his place as one of the game’s top players.

The tournament was notable not just for its exciting finish, but also for the record-breaking crowds it attracted. More than 20,000 spectators flocked to Farmington to watch the event, setting a new attendance record for a golf tournament at the time.

Today, Farmington Country Club continues to host a variety of golf events, including member tournaments, charity events, and other competitions. The club’s championship golf course remains a challenging and rewarding course for players of all skill levels.

Farmington Country Club Membership Costs and Dues

farmington country club

As a private club, Farmington Country Club does not publicly disclose its membership costs and dues. However, it is generally understood that the club has a significant initiation fee, which new members must pay when they join, as well as ongoing monthly or annual dues to maintain their membership.

However, it is widely known that membership to the club is by invitation only and is limited to a select number of individuals and families. However, estimated initiation fees of approximately $10,000 – $100,000 and rumored annual fees of around $1,000 – $10,000, though these are merely speculation, of course, as the costs are kept private.

Farmington Country Club Amenities

Farmington Country Club offers a wide range of amenities for its members to enjoy. Here are some of the key amenities available at the club:

  1. Championship Golf Course: Farmington Country Club boasts an 18-hole championship golf course that was designed by renowned golf course architects Fred Findlay and Dick Wilson. The course features challenging terrain, scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and state-of-the-art facilities for players.
  2. Tennis Facilities: The country club has a total of 21 tennis courts, including both outdoor and indoor courts. The tennis facilities also offer a range of programs and clinics for players of all skill levels.
  3. Fitness Center: Farmington’s fitness center includes a variety of state-of-the-art equipment, as well as fitness classes and personal training services. The center also offers a range of wellness services, such as massage therapy and nutritional counseling.
  4. Swimming Pools: The club has both outdoor and indoor swimming pools, as well as a children’s pool and a hot tub.
  5. Dining Options: Farmington offers several dining options for its members, including a formal dining room, a casual grill room, and a poolside cafe. The club also hosts regular social events and special dining events throughout the year.
  6. Event Spaces: Farmington’s elegant clubhouse includes several event spaces that are available for private events and meetings. The club also offers catering services and event planning assistance for members who wish to host events at the club.

In addition to these amenities, Farmington Country Club offers a range of other services and programs for its members, including youth programs, cultural events, and outdoor activities.

Farmington Country Club Event Information and Dining Options

Farmington Country Club offers a variety of event spaces and dining options for members to enjoy. Here are some details about the club’s event and dining options:

  1. Event Spaces: Farmington’s clubhouse includes several event spaces that can accommodate a range of events, from small meetings to large weddings and banquets. The spaces include the Grand Ballroom, the Monticello Room, the Skyline Room, and the President’s Room, among others. The club’s event team can assist members with event planning and catering services.
  2. Dining Options: Farmington offers several dining options for members, including a formal dining room, a casual grill room, and a poolside cafe. The dining rooms offer a range of cuisine, from classic American fare to international specialties, and the menus change regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients and flavors. In addition to the regular dining options, the club hosts regular social events and special dining events throughout the year, such as wine dinners, holiday brunches, and themed dinners.
  3. Private Dining: Members can also reserve private dining rooms for special occasions or intimate gatherings. The club’s event team can assist with menu planning, decorations, and other details to ensure a memorable dining experience.
  4. Catering: Farmington’s catering team can provide catering services for both on-site and off-site events, including weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. The team can create custom menus based on the client’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
  5. Bar Services: The club also offers a range of bar services, including craft cocktails, fine wines, and a selection of beers and spirits. Members can enjoy drinks at the bar or order from the drink menu during meals or events.

Overall, Farmington Country Club offers a range of event and dining options for members to enjoy, whether for a special occasion or a casual meal with friends and family.

Farmington Country Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Farmington Country Club has a dress code policy that all members and guests are expected to adhere to. The dress code is in place to maintain a certain level of decorum and to ensure that all members and guests feel comfortable and appropriately dressed while at the club. Here are some details about Farmington’s dress code policy:

  1. Golf Course Dress Code: On the golf course, men are required to wear collared shirts and either Bermuda shorts or slacks. Women are required to wear appropriate golf attire, such as golf skirts or shorts and collared shirts. Golf shoes are also required.
  2. Tennis Dress Code: On the tennis courts, appropriate tennis attire is required. This includes tennis shorts or skirts and shirts. Non-marking tennis shoes are also required.
  3. Clubhouse Dress Code: In the clubhouse, members and guests are expected to wear appropriate attire. Business casual attire is preferred, which includes collared shirts, slacks, skirts, or dresses. Jeans, shorts, athletic wear, and t-shirts are not allowed in the clubhouse.
  4. Guest Policy: Members are allowed to bring guests to the club, but they must register their guests with the club’s front desk and are responsible for ensuring that their guests adhere to the club’s dress code policy. Guests are also expected to follow all club rules and regulations while on the premises.

Overall, Farmington Country Club has a dress code policy that emphasizes a sense of decorum and appropriateness while on the premises. Members and guests should be aware of the policy and follow it to ensure a pleasant experience for all.