About Us

        Officers                                                                          Board of Governors                               
    Jonathan DePina                                                 Randy Zahn                               Todd L. Eisenberg                                 Frank Buda
            President                                                   
    James B. Thompson                                         David J O'Leary                      James F. Kavanaugh, Jr.                      Jason A. Hantman
        Vice President                                                                   
     James R. Pratt, Jr.                                          Christopher F. Perry                          Kim Walecka                                  Edward J. Nasser, II        
     Secretary/Treasurer                                       
      Jeffrey A. Messier
           Ex-Officio

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 led 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 one 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.

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 Fourball champions. In August of 2011, CCNB WGA will celebrate the 33rd 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 officers and members of the Country Club of New Bedford 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 was completed.

 HOURS OF SERVICE
 The Club House is open daily at 6:00 A.M.

 FOOD SERVICE                     Lunch Menu                                       Dinner Menu                                           Pub Menu           
 Sunday & Tuesday           11:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.                            no dinner menu                                 11:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.
 Monday                          Lounge open with select sandwiches (kitchen is closed)
 Wednesday - Saturday     11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.                             5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.                         11:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.

 Reservations are strongly recommended! Reservations should be made for the time that you actually wish to be seated.  Special event  
 cancellations will carry a cancellation fee. Parties of 16 or more will not be offered A la Carte service, please contact the dining room manager 
 for more information.

 BEVERAGE SERVICE
    Men’s Grille Room                         Open                                   
    Sunday                                        11:00 A.M.                              
    Monday                                        --Closed--
    Tuesday – Saturday                       11:00 A.M.

    Main Bar
    Sunday - Tuesday                          11:00 A.M.   -    8:00 P.M.   (will not close earlier than this time)
    Wednesday - Saturday                   11:00 A.M.   -   11:00 P.M.   (will not close earlier than this time)

 

Children under the legal drinking age may not be seated at the Bar.

Members are not permitted to bring their own food or beverage on Club Property.  

Alcoholic beverages may not be taken from the premises.