Wikipedia

Brae Burn Country Club

Brae Burn Country Club is a golf course located in Newton, Massachusetts.

Brae Burn Country Club
Brae Burn County Club
Club information
Location321 Fuller Street, West Newton, Massachusetts
Established1897
TypePrivate
Total holes27
Websitewww.braeburngolf.com
Designed byDonald Ross
Par72
Length6,631 (championship tees)
Course rating73.3
Course record64 – Nick Maccario[1]

History

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The Brae Burn course was built in 1897. Early in the year the Boston Evening Transcript announced, "Grounds have already been secured and work on the course is under way."[2] There were supposed to be around 80 original members. The club's first president was Mr. George Phelps.[2] Brae Burn Golf Club opened on May 12, 1897.[3] The course was built during "a golf course building boom" in Newton, Massachusetts during the late-1890s.[4] The course is referred to as Brae Burn in honor of golf's Scottish heritage. There are many meadows and brooks on the course and in the Scots language "brae" means a bank against a valley and "burn" refers to a stream.[5][6] In March 1898, the club was "elected to allied membership" to the United States Golf Association (USGA).[7] The following year, the first clubhouse was constructed.[3]

Brae Burn was originally six-hole course. However, it soon evolved into a nine-hole course.[3] In 1901, The Boston Post suggested that Brae Burn and Woodland Golf Club, also in Newton, could merge their nine-hole courses into one 18-hole course. There were several nine-hole courses in Newton but no full-length courses.[8] In 1903, this almost became a reality. In March, the USGA reported that the courses intended to combine "with a subsidiary nine-hole course for beginners" too. However, at the last minute, Brae Burn rejected this idea.[9] At the annual meeting, held in December, the committee voted to extend the course to 18 holes.[10] The course had 135 acres to work with which helped facilitate this expansion.[10] The course would be 6,007 yards.[10] The committee also announced that they intended to expand the venue from a golf club to a country club. The members intended to add winter sports like skating and tobogan.[10][11] Summer sports like tennis and archery were possible additions.[11] A new clubhouse was intended to be completed in the spring of 1904.[10] The clubhouse would have several floors and a restaurant.[10] In March 1904, the club voted to change its name from Brae Burn Golf Club to Brae Burn Country Club.[11] They also voted to limit membership to 300 members;[11] however, this was an expansion from the original 100 members list.[10]

During the era, the club also received media attention for other activities at the club. Brae Burn started hosting ice skating festivals during this time.[12] During the first decade of the 20th century, Brae Burn started The Boston Hockey League in conjunction with Winchester Country Club.[13][14] Curling and skiing were also popular winter sports.[9]

Shortly thereafter, Brae Burn started hosting notable golf tournaments. In the fall of 1906, the club hosted the U.S. Women's Amateur. It was their first USGA championship. It was won by Harriot Curtis.[15] Two years later, her sister, Margaret Curtis, won the Massachusetts Women's Amateur held at the club.[16] In 1912, the famed golf course architect Donald Ross re-designed the course in preparation for the Massachusetts Amateur.[5] In the middle of the summer, the course hosted the tournament. In the finals, Heinrich Schmitt defeated Francis Ouimet 1 up.[17] Two years later, Brae Burn hosted the event again. Ouimet won this time.[5] In 1916, Brae Burn hosted the Massachusetts Open again, now a PGA Tour-level event.[18] Boston's Mike Brady defeated Ireland's Pat Doyle in a playoff.[19]

In the 1920s, there were many modifications to the course, partly to suit the growing membership. At the onset of the decade, membership had reached a record 800 members.[9] Early in the 1920s, Brae Burn obtained more land from Henry B. Day, one of the founding members of the club, to create an additional nine hole course. In 1921, work on the course began. It was opened the following year, on September 22, 1922. It was known as the No. 2 course.[9] In 1924, nine holes on the main course underwent an "improvement of a minor or on a large scale."[20] In 1925, there were more modifications, "the most important being the from the 14th hole to the tee." Fourteen new fairway bunkers were installed on the hole. In addition, the fairway was narrowed by 20 yards.[21] During the era, Irish-born John Shanahan was the greenskeeper. He was known as one of the best greenskeepers in the country. According to The Boston Globe, he was known for producing the best "putting surfaces" in the country.[20] Around this time, Grantland Rice, the famed sportswriter, referred to the course as one of the top in the country and even more challenging than Baltusrol Golf Club or The Country Club.[22]

In 1928, the course was re-designed by Donald Ross. It was his second and final re-design of the course.[3][5]

By the mid-20th century, Brae Burn was unable to host any more major championships or PGA Tour-level events as the length of the course was no longer challenging enough for modern players.[23] However, the club continued to host minor tournaments. In 1946, the course hosted the New England Amateur.[24] It was won by Ted Bishop.[25] In 1950, Brae Burn hosted the Massachusetts Amateur. The Boston Globe noted that Dick Chapman, former U.S. Amateur champ, was deemed to be a threat.[26] Chapman did indeed win the event, defeating Edward Martin in extra holes.[27] In addition, that year the club hosted the Massachusetts Women's Amateur again.[16] It was won by Ann Boros, the wife of Julius Boros.[16][28] In 1958, the course hosted the Curtis Cup, a ladies match play event between British amateurs and American amateurs. The Associated Press noted that it was "perhaps significant" that Brae Burn was hosting the tournament as the event's namesake was Margaret Curtis, champion of the 1906 U.S. Women's Amateur at Brae Burn.[29] Curtis attended the event.[6] The British, the defending champions, retained the cup at the 1958 Curtis Cup, tying 4.5 - 4.5 points.[30]

The course has not had many alterations since Donald Ross' second re-design. In the mid-20th century, The Guardian noted that Brae Burn had not changed in decades.[31] In the late 20th century, club pro Mickey Lane confirmed that the club had not changed much. "The place still has the feel and the look that it did years ago, with a few minor changes," he said.[3] One of the "minor changes" occurred in the 1960s. Noted local architect Geoffrey Cornish made some modifications, especially improving the 11th green.[9] In 1990s, the No. 2 course went under a series of renovations, especially the construction of cart paths.[9] In addition, to correspond with club's Scottish influence, the No. 2 was renamed the Highlands Course.[9] These changes have largely met with praise. For most of the late 20th century, the course was referenced as one of the top ten courses in the state by Golf Digest.[32]

In 1997, Brae Burn celebrated its 100th anniversary. A book was published by members to commemorate the anniversary. It is entitled Brae Burn Country Club, 1897 - 1997 Centenary: 100 Years of Golf and Family Life.[3] In addition, the USGA elected Brae Burn as the host for the U.S. Women's Amateur that year to honor the centenary.[33] Italy's Silvia Cavalleri won defeating Robin Burke 5 & 4 in the finals. She became the first Italian to win the event.[34]

In the early 21st century, however, there have been some controversies. Many locals have protested the existence of a chain-link fence that Brae Burn constructed.[35] They found it unsightly. A group was created, the Brae Burn Country Club Neighbor Association (BBCCNA), to organize resistance. "What they are doing is legal, but it is incredibly unneighborly behavior," said Don Lessem, a founding member.[35] Some locals derisively referred to the course as "Fortress Brae Burn."[36] Brae Burn retorted that they maintained the fence to deter trespassers.[35] In addition, the club has faced criticism for allegedly "generous tax breaks" it has received from the State of Massachusetts.[36] In 2022, the club received $600,000 worth of tax breaks from the state.[36] The tax breaks Brae Burn and other top clubs in the state received was the top story for the May 3, 2023 edition of The Boston Globe. "That's a huge deal," said city councilor Victoria Danberg. "That could pay for teachers, firefighters, and police." The mayor of Newton, Ruthanne Fuller, was also looking into the issue. She stated, "the level of abatement that state law currently allows deserves a second look."[36] Most Brae Burn members have defended the tax breaks, however. "Brae Burn does a lot for the community," stated member Deirdre Garrity to the Globe.[36]

References

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  1. ^ "Nick Maccario shoots course record, leads at 2019 Massachusetts Mid-Amateur". Mass Golf. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  2. ^ a b "May 01, 1897, page 6 - Boston Evening Transcript at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Jun 15, 1997, page 56 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Jun 01, 1997, page 54 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d "Our History - Brae Burn Country Club MA". www.braeburngolf.com. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Aug 08, 1958, page 6 - The Daily Telegraph at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Mar 31, 1898, page 4 - The Brooklyn Daily Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Dec 01, 1901, page 7 - Boston Post at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "10 Things To Know: Brae Burn Country Club". MASSGOLF. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g "Dec 27, 1903, page 35 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d "Mar 13, 1904, page 41 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  12. ^ "Jan 19, 1908, page 10 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Jan 21, 1909, page 4 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  14. ^ "Jan 12, 1911, page 7 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  15. ^ "Oct 14, 1906, page 12 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  16. ^ a b c "Aug 07, 1997, page 67 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  17. ^ "Jun 16, 1912, page 13 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Jul 09, 1916, page 55 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  19. ^ "Wins Massachusetts Open". The Indianapolis News - via newspapers.com. 11 July 1916. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Nov 15, 1924, page 8 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  21. ^ "Oct 03, 1925, page 8 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  22. ^ "Mar 04, 1917, page 20 - Star Tribune at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  23. ^ "Apr 01, 1979, page 64 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  24. ^ "Aug 02, 1946, page 11 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Past New England Amateur Champions" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 26, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  26. ^ "Jul 09, 1950, page 46 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Jul 16, 1950, page 46 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  28. ^ "Women's Amateur Past Champions". MASSGOLF. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  29. ^ "Aug 03, 1958, page 39 - The Times at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  30. ^ "Aug 10, 1958, page 136 - Hartford Courant at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  31. ^ "Aug 06, 1958, page 6 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  32. ^ "Brae Burn Country Club: Main". Golf Digest. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  33. ^ "May 07, 1992, page 82 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  34. ^ "Aug 10, 1997, page 61 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  35. ^ a b c "Oct 08, 1995, page 45 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  36. ^ a b c d e "May 03, 2023, page A8 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2024.

42°20′18.67″N 71°14′2.50″W / 42.3385194°N 71.2340278°W / 42.3385194; -71.2340278

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