About Us...

History of the Country Club of New Bedford

      Since the beginning of the century, the Country Club of New Bedford has had a great tradition, which has let to its current prestigious reputation in the New England area.  The Club has a modest beginning, which took place before the turn of the century.  The original club was located in the West End of New Bedford bordering on Hawthorne, Brigham, and Allen streets continuing out to Rockdale Avenue.

      Several enthusiasts of golf formed the Club.  It was called the Hawthorne Club.  The six-hole layout became so popular that the club founders decided the course was too short and crowded.  They closed the course and moved to our present site.

      Although some were pessimistic about this move, within 16 months after its 1902 incorporation, the Club had 350 members and a waiting list.  The original Board of Governors consisted of Club President John Bullard, William E. Hatch, Edward S. Brown, Edward T. Pierce, Oliver Prescott, William West, Clarence A. Cook and Frederick D. Stetson.

      John Duff, President of Merchants Bank, and George Cherry, of the Cherry Companies, two prominent businessman, were key financial contributors to the club in its early years.

      In 1923 the clubhouse burned to the ground, and the present clubhouse was built over the original foundation in 1924 with several additions, alterations and other improvements over the years.

      The first Greens Superintendent was Mike Brennon followed by Nate Mitchell.  In 1924, the legendary Mike O'Grady began his 46-year career with the club.  Mike was meticulous and enjoyed an excellent reputation for having the finest greens in southeastern Massachusetts. 

      John Gilholm Sr. worked alongside Mike as the Club Professional (1919-1958).  The two became legendary figures for their dedication to the game of golf and their loyalty to the club.  The original course was nine holes until the club purchased land on the east side of Slocum Road and added an additional six holes.  These outer six holes were designed by O'Grady, Mitchell, and Gilholm.

      Willie Park, probably the most famous golf architect at the turn of the century, had planned, designed, and supervised the building of our original nine holes.  In 1924, the renowned golf architect, Donald Ross, redesigned the course changing the original nine holes on the club side of Slocum Road into 12 holes and eventually making CCNB into an 18-hole golf course.

      The first August Fourball Invitational Tournament was held the first week of August in 1931.  Six rounds were played in four days.  It was so popular that some first round flights were played at the nearby Kittansett Club.  John J. MacDonald of Kittansett, and Ned Bussier of Sandy Burr were the first fourball champions.  The August Fourball remains on of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in New England.

      Throughout the years the course has welcomed dignitaries from the world of government, theatre, athletics, and golf.

       The club is rich in tradition and has produced many outstanding players.  In 1937, Dave Whiteside gained prominence by winning the Massachusetts State Amateur Tournament.  Kevin Nery, who shot five under 65 holds the course record.  Three players, George Montgomery, Lenny Burns, and Jerry Laflamme, have each scored rounds of 67.

      The Women's Golf Association of the Country Club of New Bedford held their first August Invitational Fourball in 1979 with 32 teams participating.  This five day tournament was a milestone for women golfers, not only in this area, but throughout New England.  Club Member, Dorothy Koczera and guest, Mary Jo Ahlander were the first Four-ball champions.  In August of 2006, CCNB WGA will celebrate the 28^th year of this classic event.

      The Country Club of New Bedford Women's Invitational Fourball Tournament, honoring Inez Mello, continues to be the leading tournament event of its kind in the region.   

       The twentieth century ended on a high note when three youngsters all under the age of sixteen were crowned club champions.  Kevin Silva, age 15 won Class A honors with one over par for 36 holes.  Mark Purrington, age 13, took the Class B crown and 15 year old Courtney Teser clamed the ladies club Championship.

       More recently records have fallen.  Our Head Pro Joseph Cordani, Jr., shot a 65 in 2005. Bruce Barboza set the Competitive Course Record of 66 in the "MGA Event". Bob Hickman shot a 66 in the 2005 75^th Annual Fourball Tournament.

      The  officers and members of the Country Club of New Bedford  have made 2006 an important year in the ongoing  club legacy. For the first time in more than four decades, a major rehab of the club and pro shop has been completed.