Eldean WalterGolf has deep roots in American history, with some clubs dating back to the late 1800s. These historic institutions are more than just places to play; they are living museums of the sport. The oldest golf clubs in the US represent tradition, exclusivity, and a dedication to preserving the game’s original spirit. Each club has its own story, from hosting iconic tournaments to being the birthplace of golf innovation. Together, they form the foundation of American golf culture.
Top 20 Oldest Golf Clubs in The US
1. Foxburg Country Club (1887 – Foxburg, Pennsylvania)
Foxburg Country Club proudly holds the title as one of the oldest golf clubs in the US, founded in 1887. Its nine-hole course preserves the sport’s early traditions, offering golfers a living history experience. The club’s rustic charm, panoramic Pennsylvania landscapes, and original clubhouse make it a treasured gem. Its continued dedication to heritage and authenticity is why it stands among the best. For enthusiasts seeking both history and play, Foxburg remains a must-visit golf destination in America.
2. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (1891 – Southampton, New York)
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, established in 1891, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a frequent host of the U.S. Open. Known for its challenging links-style layout designed by William Flynn, it delivers a test of skill in every round. The club’s Native American-inspired clubhouse is among the first built in the nation. Its combination of prestige, history, and world-class tournaments makes Shinnecock Hills one of the best and most iconic golf experiences in America.
3. Newport Country Club (1893 – Newport, Rhode Island)
Newport Country Club, founded in 1893, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a birthplace of American golf. It hosted the very first U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur tournaments, cementing its legendary status. The seaside course offers breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay, blending scenic beauty with rich sporting history. Its timeless design and exclusivity make it a premier golfing institution. With its unmatched heritage, Newport remains a shining example of why history and luxury define excellence.
4. Chicago Golf Club (1892 – Wheaton, Illinois)
Chicago Golf Club, established in 1892, is proudly one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and the first 18-hole course in the nation. Founded by Charles Blair Macdonald, known as the “Father of American Golf,” it helped shape the sport in America. The club’s private and elite nature adds to its mystique. As one of the five founding clubs of the USGA, Chicago Golf Club remains the best example of tradition, exclusivity, and historic influence in American golf.
5. The Country Club (1882 – Brookline, Massachusetts)
The Country Club in Brookline is not only one of the oldest golf clubs in the US, founded in 1882, but also a USGA founding member. Its course is steeped in tradition, having hosted numerous U.S. Opens and the 1999 Ryder Cup. The challenging layout, historic clubhouse, and exclusivity elevate it to legendary status. With deep ties to American golf’s foundation, The Country Club represents why history, prestige, and competitive excellence make it one of the nation’s finest institutions.
6. St. Andrews Golf Club (1888 – Hastings-on-Hudson, New York)
Founded in 1888, St. Andrews Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a founding member of the USGA. Established by Scottish immigrants, it carries a rich cultural legacy, bringing authentic Scottish traditions to American soil. Its course design continues to challenge players while preserving historic elements. The club’s unique heritage and influence on early American golf cement its place among the best. St. Andrews remains a bridge between golf’s old world and new.
7. Dorset Field Club (1886 – Dorset, Vermont)
Dorset Field Club, founded in 1886, is recognized as one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and claims to be the oldest continuously operating course. Nestled in the Green Mountains, it offers a scenic and peaceful experience with timeless New England charm. The nine-hole layout embodies classic simplicity, attracting golfers who value heritage and nature over extravagance. Dorset’s commitment to tradition and uninterrupted history makes it one of the best destinations for lovers of authentic golf experiences in America.
8. Tuxedo Club (1886 – Tuxedo Park, New York)
The Tuxedo Club, established in 1886, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US, originally part of a grand private retreat for New York’s elite. Its golf course has evolved through famous designers like Robert Trent Jones Sr., ensuring a blend of tradition and challenge. Surrounded by pristine woodlands and lakes, the club offers a retreat steeped in elegance. Its historical exclusivity, architectural beauty, and refined golf experience make Tuxedo Club one of the best symbols of golf’s legacy.
9. Myopia Hunt Club (1894 – South Hamilton, Massachusetts)
Myopia Hunt Club, founded in 1894, stands as one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a unique link between equestrian tradition and golf. It hosted four early U.S. Opens, making it historically significant. Known for its rugged, quirky design and narrow fairways, it challenges even modern professionals. The combination of heritage, difficulty, and prestige makes Myopia Hunt Club a standout. It remains one of the best places for golfers who want a course deeply rooted in American history.
10. Baltusrol Golf Club (1895 – Springfield, New Jersey)
Baltusrol Golf Club, established in 1895, is among the oldest golf clubs in the US and one of the most prestigious. Home to multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships, its Lower Course, designed by A.W. Tillinghast, is world-renowned. The club’s constant evolution, while maintaining heritage, makes it a leader in golf excellence. With a legacy of championship golf and a reputation for elite standards, Baltusrol represents the best balance of history, challenge, and modern prominence in American golf.
11. Pinehurst Resort (1895 – Pinehurst, North Carolina)
Pinehurst Resort, founded in 1895, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a true landmark in American golf. Known as the “St. Andrews of the United States,” it features nine courses, with the legendary No. 2 designed by Donald Ross. Hosting multiple U.S. Opens, Pinehurst has built a reputation as both historic and world-class. Its blend of Southern charm, iconic design, and championship tradition makes Pinehurst one of the best golf destinations for history-loving players.
12. Essex County Club (1893 – Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts)
Essex County Club, established in 1893, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and home to a course designed by Donald Ross, who also served as its professional. This historic New England club is celebrated for its natural, rugged design that reflects Ross’s timeless style. With a challenging layout and deep heritage, Essex stands out as one of the best clubs for those who value tradition. Its role in shaping early American golf makes it truly significant.
13. Brookline Golf Club (1897 – Brookline, Massachusetts)
Brookline Golf Club, founded in 1897, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US, known for its historic course that blends seamlessly with the New England landscape. While less famous than its neighbor The Country Club, Brookline holds strong local importance and reflects the early days of American golf culture. Its enduring appeal comes from its community roots and preserved character. As one of the best historic golf venues, it demonstrates how heritage and accessibility can coexist.
14. Wannamoisett Country Club (1898 – Rumford, Rhode Island)
Wannamoisett Country Club, established in 1898, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and home to a classic Donald Ross design. The course is renowned for its strategic bunkering, narrow fairways, and smooth greens that continue to challenge golfers of all skill levels. Hosting the prestigious Northeast Amateur tournament, Wannamoisett has maintained a reputation for competitive excellence. Its unique blend of history, architectural significance, and competitive tradition makes it one of the best and most respected clubs.
15. Garden City Golf Club (1899 – Garden City, New York)
Garden City Golf Club, founded in 1899, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a shining example of early American golf architecture. Known for hosting the 1902 U.S. Open, it has a rich legacy that few clubs can match. The course’s design emphasizes strategic play and remains highly regarded among purists. With its heritage, exclusivity, and dedication to preserving tradition, Garden City Golf Club is considered one of the best historic venues in American golf.
16. Maidstone Club (1891 – East Hampton, New York)
Maidstone Club, established in 1891, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a true East Coast treasure. Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, its seaside links-style course combines natural beauty with historic prestige. The rolling dunes and coastal winds create a classic test reminiscent of Scottish golf. Its exclusivity and timeless elegance make Maidstone a destination reserved for the fortunate few. As one of the best, it symbolizes the harmony of nature, heritage, and golfing excellence.
17. Sleepy Hollow Country Club (1911 – Scarborough, New York)
Sleepy Hollow Country Club, though founded in 1911, still ranks among the oldest golf clubs in the US and is steeped in character. The course was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and A.W. Tillinghast, blending strategic design with scenic Hudson River views. Known for its iconic opening holes and stunning landscapes, it captures the romance of early 20th-century golf. Its rich history, architectural brilliance, and timeless charm secure Sleepy Hollow’s place as one of the best classic clubs in America.
18. Oakmont Country Club (1903 – Oakmont, Pennsylvania)
Oakmont Country Club, established in 1903, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and among the most challenging. Designed by Henry Fownes, its reputation is built on lightning-fast greens and deep, punishing bunkers. Oakmont has hosted more combined USGA and PGA championships than any other course, securing its legendary status. Its demanding layout continues to test the best golfers in the world. With unrivaled difficulty and historical significance, Oakmont stands out as one of the very best.
19. Merion Golf Club (1896 – Haverford Township, Pennsylvania)
Merion Golf Club, founded in 1896, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and famous for its East Course. This classic design by Hugh Wilson is considered one of the greatest courses in the world. Merion has hosted numerous U.S. Opens, including the 2013 championship where Justin Rose triumphed. Its iconic wicker basket flagsticks and timeless design set it apart. As one of the best clubs, Merion combines heritage, character, and competitive prestige into a lasting legacy.
20. Inverness Club (1903 – Toledo, Ohio)
Inverness Club, established in 1903, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the US and a cornerstone of championship golf. Designed by Donald Ross, it has hosted multiple major tournaments, including the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. The club is revered for its classic design, renovations that respect tradition, and its role in shaping professional golf. Its balance of history, competitive legacy, and architectural brilliance makes Inverness one of the best examples of how tradition thrives in American golf.
Reasons Why They Are The Oldest Golf Clubs in the US
- Founded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of these clubs were pioneers in introducing golf to America.
- They were established by early enthusiasts, often inspired by Scottish traditions, who brought the game across the Atlantic.
- These clubs were among the first to construct dedicated 9-hole and 18-hole courses, setting the standard for American golf.
- Many were founding members of the USGA, playing a crucial role in shaping rules and governance.
- Their long record of hosting tournaments, from the first U.S. Opens to Ryder Cups, solidified their historical importance.
- They have preserved original layouts, clubhouses, and traditions, ensuring continuity over more than a century.
Benefits of Joining The Oldest Golf Clubs in the US
- Heritage and prestige – Membership connects you to over 100 years of golfing legacy and cultural significance.
- World-class courses– These clubs feature historic layouts designed by masters like Donald Ross, Charles Blair Macdonald, and A.W. Tillinghast.
- Exclusive networking – Membership opens doors to elite social circles and communities rooted in tradition.
- Tournament history– Playing on courses that have hosted major championships provides a unique sense of pride and challenge.
- Preservation of tradition – Members become part of a club that values authenticity, heritage, and respect for the game.
- Scenic and timeless environments – From coastal views to mountain landscapes, these clubs offer unmatched beauty alongside history.
- Lasting legacy – Membership is often generational, allowing families to share in the traditions of American golf.
Conclusion
The oldest golf clubs in the US are far more than historic landmarks; they are living institutions that embody the spirit of the game. Their early foundations, legendary tournaments, and architectural brilliance make them cornerstones of American golf history. Joining such clubs is not just about playing a round of golf, but about experiencing tradition, exclusivity, and a piece of history. For those who value heritage, challenge, and prestige, the oldest golf clubs in the US stand as timeless treasures of the sporting world.