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Winged Foot Golf Club (West)
Architect: A.W. Tillinghast Year: 1923 851 Fenimore Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Phone: (914) 698-8400 Course Access: Private https://wfgc.org/ |
Winged Foot West
In the annals of golf history, few clubs command as much reverence as Winged Foot Golf Club, nestled in the picturesque town of Mamaroneck, New York. This club, with its two championship courses, has not only been a crucible for testing the world's best golfers but also a symbol of the golden age of golf course architecture. Here unfolds the rich tapestry of Winged Foot's history, from its inception in the Roaring Twenties to its status today as one of the world's preeminent golfing institutions.
Origins and Foundation
The genesis of Winged Foot Golf Club can be traced back to 1921 when a group, predominantly members of the New York Athletic Club, envisioned a new golfing haven. The club's name and its iconic logo derive from a sculpture in the lobby floor of the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan, symbolizing speed, agility, and the pursuit of excellence. This imagery perfectly encapsulated the aspirations for what would become one of America's most storied golf clubs.
The land for Winged Foot was acquired in Mamaroneck, and the club officially opened in June 1923. The vision for the club was not just a single golf course but two, each designed to stand as a testament to the art of golf course architecture. For this task, the founders turned to Albert Warren "A.W." Tillinghast, one of the most prolific and influential golf architects of his time. Tillinghast, who had already made his mark with designs like Bethpage Black and Baltusrol, brought his genius to bear on Winged Foot, crafting the West and East Courses.
The Golden Age of Golf
Winged Foot's early years coincided with what is often called the Golden Age of American golf course design. Tillinghast's designs were innovative, emphasizing strategic play over brute force, with greens that demanded precision and creativity. The West Course, in particular, would become legendary, its layout a formidable challenge that would host the U.S. Open not once but six times by 2020, with another scheduled for 2028.
The club's courses were opened to great fanfare, and Winged Foot quickly established itself as a venue capable of hosting major tournaments. The first U.S. Open at Winged Foot in 1929 saw amateur Bobby Jones win in dramatic fashion, defeating Al Espinosa in a 36-hole playoff by a staggering 23 strokes. This victory was one of several legendary moments that would grace Winged Foot's fairways over the decades, including Phil Mickelson's infamous collapse in 2006 and Bryson DeChambeau's dominant performance in 2020.
Architectural Evolution
Winged Foot has seen architectural evolution, particularly with the restoration of both courses under the guidance of Gil Hanse in 2016-2018. Hanse's work sought to return the courses to Tillinghast's original vision, expanding greens, reinstating bunkers, and removing trees to open up the playing corridors. This restoration not only preserved but enhanced the strategic elements of Tillinghast's designs, ensuring that Winged Foot would remain a relevant and challenging test for modern golf.
Membership and Culture
Membership at Winged Foot is among the most exclusive in the country. The initiation fee, while not publicly disclosed, has been reported to be in the range of $150,000 to $200,000, with annual dues to match the club's high standards. The club's members are known for their deep connection to the game, boasting a high percentage of single-digit handicappers, reflecting the club's ethos of competitive play and golfing excellence.
The Clubhouse and Amenities
The clubhouse at Winged Foot, designed by Clifford Wendehack, complements the courses with its Tudor Scholastic architecture, offering a historical and aesthetic nod to the club's storied past. Inside, the clubhouse is a repository of golf history, adorned with memorabilia, trophies, and photographs from the club's many tournaments and victories.
Legacy and Future
Winged Foot Golf Club's legacy is one of triumph, history, and the relentless pursuit of golfing excellence. It has hosted not only U.S. Opens but also U.S. Women's Opens, U.S. Amateurs, and the PGA Championship, among others. Each event adds another chapter to the club's narrative, reinforcing its place in golf's pantheon.
Looking forward, Winged Foot is set to continue its tradition of excellence, with its seventh U.S. Open scheduled for 2028. The club's commitment to maintaining championship-level conditions, its architectural integrity, and its focus on the historical aspects of golf ensure that it will remain a beacon for golfers around the world, a place where history is not just remembered but made.
Conclusion
Winged Foot Golf Club stands as a monument to the golden age of golf course design, to the vision of its founders, and to the skill and creativity of A.W. Tillinghast. Its history is interwoven with the narratives of golf's greatest players, its courses have been the backdrop for some of the sport's most dramatic moments, and its legacy is one of continuous evolution while honoring its roots. As Winged Foot moves forward, it does so with the weight of history behind it, ensuring that its wings will continue to spread across the fairways of golf's future.
Origins and Foundation
The genesis of Winged Foot Golf Club can be traced back to 1921 when a group, predominantly members of the New York Athletic Club, envisioned a new golfing haven. The club's name and its iconic logo derive from a sculpture in the lobby floor of the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan, symbolizing speed, agility, and the pursuit of excellence. This imagery perfectly encapsulated the aspirations for what would become one of America's most storied golf clubs.
The land for Winged Foot was acquired in Mamaroneck, and the club officially opened in June 1923. The vision for the club was not just a single golf course but two, each designed to stand as a testament to the art of golf course architecture. For this task, the founders turned to Albert Warren "A.W." Tillinghast, one of the most prolific and influential golf architects of his time. Tillinghast, who had already made his mark with designs like Bethpage Black and Baltusrol, brought his genius to bear on Winged Foot, crafting the West and East Courses.
The Golden Age of Golf
Winged Foot's early years coincided with what is often called the Golden Age of American golf course design. Tillinghast's designs were innovative, emphasizing strategic play over brute force, with greens that demanded precision and creativity. The West Course, in particular, would become legendary, its layout a formidable challenge that would host the U.S. Open not once but six times by 2020, with another scheduled for 2028.
The club's courses were opened to great fanfare, and Winged Foot quickly established itself as a venue capable of hosting major tournaments. The first U.S. Open at Winged Foot in 1929 saw amateur Bobby Jones win in dramatic fashion, defeating Al Espinosa in a 36-hole playoff by a staggering 23 strokes. This victory was one of several legendary moments that would grace Winged Foot's fairways over the decades, including Phil Mickelson's infamous collapse in 2006 and Bryson DeChambeau's dominant performance in 2020.
Architectural Evolution
Winged Foot has seen architectural evolution, particularly with the restoration of both courses under the guidance of Gil Hanse in 2016-2018. Hanse's work sought to return the courses to Tillinghast's original vision, expanding greens, reinstating bunkers, and removing trees to open up the playing corridors. This restoration not only preserved but enhanced the strategic elements of Tillinghast's designs, ensuring that Winged Foot would remain a relevant and challenging test for modern golf.
Membership and Culture
Membership at Winged Foot is among the most exclusive in the country. The initiation fee, while not publicly disclosed, has been reported to be in the range of $150,000 to $200,000, with annual dues to match the club's high standards. The club's members are known for their deep connection to the game, boasting a high percentage of single-digit handicappers, reflecting the club's ethos of competitive play and golfing excellence.
The Clubhouse and Amenities
The clubhouse at Winged Foot, designed by Clifford Wendehack, complements the courses with its Tudor Scholastic architecture, offering a historical and aesthetic nod to the club's storied past. Inside, the clubhouse is a repository of golf history, adorned with memorabilia, trophies, and photographs from the club's many tournaments and victories.
Legacy and Future
Winged Foot Golf Club's legacy is one of triumph, history, and the relentless pursuit of golfing excellence. It has hosted not only U.S. Opens but also U.S. Women's Opens, U.S. Amateurs, and the PGA Championship, among others. Each event adds another chapter to the club's narrative, reinforcing its place in golf's pantheon.
Looking forward, Winged Foot is set to continue its tradition of excellence, with its seventh U.S. Open scheduled for 2028. The club's commitment to maintaining championship-level conditions, its architectural integrity, and its focus on the historical aspects of golf ensure that it will remain a beacon for golfers around the world, a place where history is not just remembered but made.
Conclusion
Winged Foot Golf Club stands as a monument to the golden age of golf course design, to the vision of its founders, and to the skill and creativity of A.W. Tillinghast. Its history is interwoven with the narratives of golf's greatest players, its courses have been the backdrop for some of the sport's most dramatic moments, and its legacy is one of continuous evolution while honoring its roots. As Winged Foot moves forward, it does so with the weight of history behind it, ensuring that its wings will continue to spread across the fairways of golf's future.