The Club
History
Kenosha Country Club: A Storied Legacy of Golf Excellence
Founded in 1896 as a golf club on Kenosha's south lakeshore, Kenosha Country Club has a rich history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings to its current location on the northeast side of Kenosha County, the club has evolved into a premier golf destination in Wisconsin. With an esteemed Donald Ross-designed championship layout, Kenosha Country Club has earned a reputation as one of the finest courses in the state. This article delves into the captivating history of Kenosha Country Club, highlighting its growth, architectural significance, and the recent efforts to preserve and enhance its esteemed heritage.
A New Home and Architectural Brilliance:
As Kenosha experienced growth, so did the country club. In 1920, the club relocated to its present location after acquiring three farms totaling 175 acres for $30,000. The purchase marked a significant milestone in the club's history, as it set the stage for a remarkable transformation. During this transition, the club enlisted the services of Donald J. Ross, one of the world's premier golf course architects. Ross, known for his meticulous attention to detail and strategic designs, spent seven days in Kenosha in September 1920, staying at The Elks Club (now restored and renamed The Stella).
Ross returned in March 1921, accompanied by Walter Hatch, to lay out the holes and greens of the new course. William West, a foreman for Ross and Hatch, supervised the construction process, which cost $60,000. The clubhouse, built at a cost of $50,000, symbolized the club's commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience for its members. In April 1922, Kenosha Country Club opened its doors, welcoming golf enthusiasts to experience the brilliance of Ross's design.
Donald Ross's Enduring Legacy:
Kenosha Country Club holds a special distinction among Donald Ross courses in the United States. Unlike many other courses that have been altered over time by members or other architects, Kenosha Country Club has remained remarkably true to Ross's original vision. This preservation of Ross's design has contributed to its recognition as one of the most authentic expressions of his work in the Midwest. The course's architectural integrity has captivated golfers and architectural enthusiasts alike, solidifying its reputation as a hidden gem.
The Architectural Marvels of Kenosha Country Club:
Donald Ross masterfully utilized the natural landscape and features of Kenosha Country Club to create a challenging and visually stunning layout. The course, situated on a picturesque terrain with a creek and valley plateaus, provided Ross with abundant opportunities to showcase his design prowess. One notable aspect of Kenosha Country Club is the exceptional quality of its original Ross greens. Testament to Ross's hands-on approach during the construction process, these greens are considered among the best of his original creations.
A Contemporary Revitalization Effort:
In recent years, Kenosha Country Club has embarked on a strategic revitalization effort to restore and update Ross's work, ensuring its continued legacy. Golf course architect Drew Rogers and his team became engaged with the club in 2014, working closely with Superintendents Paul Bastron, Harrison Beal, and the club's leadership, to carefully recover and enhance Ross's design elements. The restoration process has been meticulous, guided by Ross's original vision, photos, drawings, and ground-truthing the course's features and lines. One of many significant achievements was reclaiming over an acre of original green surfaces that had shrunk over the decades.
The Future of Kenosha Country Club:
As the revitalization effort progresses, Kenosha Country Club is gradually reclaiming its position as one of the most authentic and pleasurable examples of Donald Ross's work in the Midwest. With its exquisite green surfaces, strategic playing angles, and the careful restoration of its bunkering, the club is poised to elevate its status among golf enthusiasts. The increased awareness and growing reputation of Kenosha Country Club are a testament to the commitment to preserve and celebrate its storied history.
Conclusion:
Kenosha Country Club stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Donald Ross's architectural brilliance. From its origins as a small lakeshore golf club to its esteemed position as one of Wisconsin's finest courses, the club's journey has been marked by a dedication to excellence. As Kenosha Country Club celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2022, it is a time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of Donald Ross and the ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance this architectural gem. With its rich history, exceptional design, and commitment to maintaining its authenticity, Kenosha Country Club continues to captivate golfers and ensure a memorable experience for generations to come.
Fun & Activities for Everyone
As a family orientated club, Kenosha Country Club offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. With the rise in popularity of tennis, the Club added to the existing tennis courts and completely replaced them in 2014. Today, our Club offers the perfect blend of character and beauty inside and out. From our Donald Ross designed golf course, which has recently been under renovation to take it back to it's original design, to our lighted tennis facilities, heated swimming pool, and inviting clubhouse, our activity offering is as diverse as our membership. As we celebrate 123 years as a Club, we invite you to become a part of our special Club family and enjoy all that we have to offer.
Some of the fantastic events we offer throughout the year include:
- Easter Brunch with Easter Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt
- 4th of July Party
- Cooking Classes
- Outdoor Movie Night
- Ladies Night Out
- Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating
- School's Out Pool Party
- Santa Brunch
- Kid's Spook-tacular Halloween Party
- Ladies 3 & Wine
- Men's Bourbon & Cigar Night
- Wine Dinners
- Off-Site Excursions such as a Fishing Charter, Ladies Holiday Shopping Trip, etc.