|
Dedham Country & Polo Club
Architect: Seth Raynor Year: 1925 124 Country Club Rd, Dedham, MA 02026 Phone: (781) 326-3090 Course Access: Private https://www.dedhamclub.org/ |
Dedham Country & Polo Club
A Brief History of Dedham Country & Polo Club
Founding and Early Years (1887 - 1901)
The Dedham Country & Polo Club (DCPC) was founded in 1887, making it one of the oldest private country clubs in Massachusetts. It was originally conceived as a polo club, a popular sport among the upper echelons of society at the time. However, the club's focus soon expanded to include other sports and activities.
The Golf Connection (1901 - 1925)
In 1901, the club's golf connection was established when the Dedham Golf Club, an offshoot of the Dedham Polo Club, was formed. This club, consisting of many members of the defunct Dedham Golf Club as well as the thriving Dedham Polo Club, was incorporated as the Norfolk Country Club in 1902.
In 1910, the Dedham Polo Club joined forces with the Norfolk Country Club, leading to the formation of the Dedham Country and Polo Club. The golf course was initially a nine-hole layout designed by Donald Ross in 1915. However, it was Seth Raynor, an engineer who apprenticed under the Father of American Golf, Charles Blair Macdonald, who completed the first 18-hole course for the club between 1923 and 1925.
Evolution and Restoration (1925 - Present)
The clubhouse opened in its current location in 1922, and the first 18-hole golf course was unveiled in 1925. Over the years, the club has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times and needs of its members.
In 2018, the course underwent an expansive restoration by Brian Silva, which included rebuilding and reshaping 96 bunkers and adding SubAir systems for the greens. This restoration aimed to preserve the unique characteristics of the course while enhancing its playability.
Today, Dedham Country & Polo Club stands as a testament to the rich history and tradition of sports and social camaraderie. It is a place where members can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and social events, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully restored Seth Raynor-designed golf course.
Founding and Early Years (1887 - 1901)
The Dedham Country & Polo Club (DCPC) was founded in 1887, making it one of the oldest private country clubs in Massachusetts. It was originally conceived as a polo club, a popular sport among the upper echelons of society at the time. However, the club's focus soon expanded to include other sports and activities.
The Golf Connection (1901 - 1925)
In 1901, the club's golf connection was established when the Dedham Golf Club, an offshoot of the Dedham Polo Club, was formed. This club, consisting of many members of the defunct Dedham Golf Club as well as the thriving Dedham Polo Club, was incorporated as the Norfolk Country Club in 1902.
In 1910, the Dedham Polo Club joined forces with the Norfolk Country Club, leading to the formation of the Dedham Country and Polo Club. The golf course was initially a nine-hole layout designed by Donald Ross in 1915. However, it was Seth Raynor, an engineer who apprenticed under the Father of American Golf, Charles Blair Macdonald, who completed the first 18-hole course for the club between 1923 and 1925.
Evolution and Restoration (1925 - Present)
The clubhouse opened in its current location in 1922, and the first 18-hole golf course was unveiled in 1925. Over the years, the club has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times and needs of its members.
In 2018, the course underwent an expansive restoration by Brian Silva, which included rebuilding and reshaping 96 bunkers and adding SubAir systems for the greens. This restoration aimed to preserve the unique characteristics of the course while enhancing its playability.
Today, Dedham Country & Polo Club stands as a testament to the rich history and tradition of sports and social camaraderie. It is a place where members can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and social events, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully restored Seth Raynor-designed golf course.