Brae Burn Country Club

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]

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

History[edit]

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." 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 29, 1897.[3] 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.[3] In March 1898, the club was "elected to allied membership" to the United States Golf Association (USGA).[4] The following year, the first clubhouse was constructed.[3]

In 1901, it was suggested in the The Boston Post that Brae Burn and Woodland Golf Club could merge their nine-hole courses into one 18-hole course. There were several nine-hole courses in Newton but no full-length courses.[5] 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.[6] At the annual meeting, held in December, the committee voted to extend the course to 18 holes.[7] The course had 135 acres to work with which helped facilitate this expansion.[7] The course would be 6,007 yards.[7] 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.[7][8] Also, tennis and archery were possible additions.[8] A new clubhouse was intended to be completed in the spring of 1904.[7] The clubhouse would have several floors and a restaurant.[7] In March 1904, the club voted to change its name from Brae Burn Golf Club to Brae Burn Country Club.[8] They also voted to limit membership to 300 members;[8] however, this was an expansion from the original 100 members list.[7]

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.[9] During the first decade of the 20th century, Brae Burn started The Boston Hockey League in conjunction with Winchester Country Club.[10][11] Curling and skiing were also popular sports.[12]

Shortly thereafter, Brae Burn started hosting significant 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.[13] In 1912, the famed golf course architect Donald Ross re-designed the course in preparation for the Massachusetts Amateur.[14] In the middle of the summer, the course hosted the tournament. In the finals, Heinrich Schmitt defeated Francis Ouimet 1 up.[15] Two years later, Brae Burn hosted the event again. Ouimet won this time.[14] In 1916, Brae Burn hosted the Massachusetts Open again, now a PGA Tour-level event.[16] Boston's Mike Brady defeated Ireland's Pat Doyle in a playoff.[17]

In January 1917, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that Brae Burn would host the 1917 U.S. Open.[18] However, the event had to be delayed two years due to World War I. In June 1919, Brae Burn held the 1919 U.S. Open. The event was intended to be played over the course of three days, from Monday, June 9 to Wednesday, June 11. Eighteen holes would be played the first two days each and the finale would be 36 holes long. The champion would win a gold medal and $500.[19] The par was 73.[20]

The preparation of the event received an extraordinary amount of media coverage. On the opening day, The Boston Globe put its coverage for the event on its first page next to the top story, a report about President Wilson's diplomatic visit to France in the wake of World War I.[21] There were 135 players in the field: 110 professionals and 25 amateurs.[22] The top 64 and ties would make the cut.[21] D.J. McGuiness noted that, "There never has been a championship for the title for the past 10 years that the professionals were so much in doubt as to the winner."[21] An amateur, Chick Evans, was the defending champion and another amateur, the 1913 champion Francis Ouimet, was an additional favorite.[23] Ouimet himself thought that Evans and Jesse Guilford were the favorites among amateurs.[24] Ouimet also agreed that it was difficult to pick a favorite. "[T]here are too many skilled and proven players," he wrote, "both amateur and professional, for anyone to accurately forecast the result of big events like the 'Open.'"[24] John G. Anderson of the New York Herald concurred, stating in his column, "For the first time in many years there is no small group of two or three from whom to select as favorite as against the field."[21] According to the Evening Public Ledger, "Not long since a prominent amateur said, "You can take the names of Jerome Travers, Francis Ouimet, Charles Evans, Jr., Walter Hagen, Jim Barnes, Jock Hutchinson, Mike Brady, Tom Kerrigan, Bob McDonald, Gil Nicholls, Pat Doyle, and a few others, mix them in a hat and pick one. That is as likely a way as any to guess who will win lead with such a field of talent."

Among professionals, McGuiness noted that Mike Brady and Walter Hagen were the favorites.[23] The Globe also noted that former champions George Sargent, Alex Smith, and Fred McLeod could be near the top.[23] In addition, McGuiness thought that professionals like Jim Barnes, Tom McNamara, and Louis Tellier were expected to be top contenders.[23] Ouimet thought nine pros had a chance to win: Brady, Tellier, Barnes, Jock Hutchison, McNamara, Hagen, Tom Kerrigan, George Bowden, and Englishman Douglass Edgar.[24]

On June 2, during a practice round, Brady broke the course record with a 72.[25] In his following round, he broke his own course record with a 70. In addition, British golfer James Douglas Edgar tied Brady's new course record with a 70 of his own.[26]

Ouimet predicted that a score of 304 would win the tournament.[24] However, McGuiness, writing for the Boston Globe, thought that 300 could win it given the low scores in the practice round.[26]

The forecast was that it should rain during the first round.[21]

In the first round, Charlie Hoffner, from Philadelphia, took the lead with a 72 to tie the competitive course record, leading Louis Tellier and George Bowden by a stroke. Only 20 players broke 80.[27] Hoffner was considered "a dark horse" and his lead was a surprise.[20] However, Brady shot a second round 74 to take the midway lead by tow over Hoffner.[28] However, Hagen, "regarded as 'a very dangerous man,'" shot a 73 to get into contention. He was in a tie for third, three back.[28] The Hartford Courant noted tha Hagen, "shot rare golf today" which "put himself into a position from which it is possible for him to win." According to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, it looked as if only a pro could win as Brady had a five stroke lead over the nearest amateur, defending champion Evans.[29] The Eagle noted that "Beady should only average only 77 for his final two rounds today." The Daily Eagle also noted that, "Hagen is a great finisher, but he may find the task a bit too heavy for him today, although he has been known to pull out of tighter places than that."[29] In despite this, Brady shot a "fine 73 in the morning round" and "led the field by five well earned strokes.[30] Hagen "was "his most formidable rival" at his point.[30]

In the final round, 15,000 followed Hagen, "the largest golf that has ever watched a golf match in this county."[31] Brady shot an 80 which allowed Hagen to get back in it.[31] Hagen had a birdie putt on the last hole but it missed, hitting the hole, so the two went into a playoff.[31]

Hagen was "a big favorite" in the playoff.[32] The playoff received a huge deal of media coverage and was featured as the top story on the The Boston Globe.

However, Brady opened with a 4 against Hagen's 5.[32] On the first hole, "Hagen narrowly missed getting into the brook guarding the green."[33] After three holes it was even. Hagen recorded a three-stroke lead at the turn, however.[32] Brady scored 41 over the homeward half, "the worst figure of any of his five rounds."[33] Brady came back with a four at the 11th hole and he was "now three strokes to the bad." Brady then picked up strokes at the 12th and 14th holes to get wthon one. Hagen led by one entering the final hole. Brady had a chance to tie on the last hole but his third shot missed "by three inches of the cup." Hagen won.[32]

Following the success of his restoration came Brae Burn’s second United States Golf Association Championship, the 1919 United States Men’s Open Championship. The event was won by the formidable Sir Walter Hagen. In 1928 Donald Ross made a return visit to Brae Burn to revamp the course for the club’s hosting of the 1928 United States Men’s Amateur Championship. A modification of the eighteenth hole included a back tee, subsequently coined the “Jones Tee”, for eventual champion Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones Jr.[citation needed]

Later history[edit]

Since 1928, the course has remained the same, only a few alterations to tee boxes and greens have been done. Brae Burn continued to host national championships, including the Curtis Cup in 1958 and 1970, and the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1975. In Brae Burn’s centennial year, 1997, the U.S. Women’s Amateur returned, in which Italy’s first amateur champion, Silvia Cavalieri, defeated Robin Burke of the United States, 5&4. Today Brae Burn is a member of both the USGA and the Massachusetts Golf Association, and actively participates as a host club for various MGA events. In 2024, Brae Burn will host the US Woman’s Mid-Amateur, from September 7-12.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Nick Maccario shoots course record, leads at 2019 Massachusetts Mid-Amateur". Mass Golf. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  2. ^ "May 01, 1897, page 6 - Boston Evening Transcript at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Our History - Brae Burn Country Club MA". www.braeburngolf.com. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Mar 31, 1898, page 4 - The Brooklyn Daily Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Dec 01, 1901, page 7 - Boston Post at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  6. ^ "10 Things To Know: Brae Burn Country Club". MASSGOLF. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Dec 27, 1903, page 35 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d "Mar 13, 1904, page 41 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  9. ^ "Jan 19, 1908, page 10 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Jan 21, 1909, page 4 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Jan 12, 1911, page 7 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  12. ^ "10 Things To Know: Brae Burn Country Club". MASSGOLF. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Oct 14, 1906, page 12 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  14. ^ a b "Our History - Brae Burn Country Club MA". www.braeburngolf.com. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  15. ^ "Jun 16, 1912, page 13 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Jul 09, 1916, page 55 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  17. ^ "Wins Massachusetts Open". The Indianapolis News - via newspapers.com. 11 July 1916. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  18. ^ "Jan 21, 1917, page 32 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  19. ^ "Jun 07, 1919, page 26 - Springfield Evening Union at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Jun 10, 1919, page 18 - New York Herald at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d e "Jun 09, 1919, page 1 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  22. ^ "Jun 05, 1919, page 8 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d "Jun 09, 1919, page 8 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  24. ^ a b c d "May 31, 1919, page 9 - Calgary Herald at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Jun 03, 1919, page 10 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  26. ^ a b "Jun 06, 1919, page 10 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Jun 10, 1919, page 14 - The Springfield Daily Republican at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Jun 11, 1919, page 18 - New York Herald at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  29. ^ a b "Jun 11, 1919, page 18 - The Brooklyn Daily Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Jun 12, 1919, page 16 - New-York Tribune at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  31. ^ a b c "Jun 12, 1919, page 1 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d "Jun 12, 1919, page 1 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  33. ^ a b "Jun 13, 1919, page 1 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  • Brae Burn Country Club. (1997). Brae Burn Country Club, 1897–1997, Centenary, One Hundred Years of Golf and Family Life. Walsworth Publishing Company.

External links[edit]

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

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