The Scotch Plains, N.J., property is planning a yearlong series of events, tournaments, and activities to celebrate its 100th anniversary, starting on March 4 with the Shackamaxon Speaker Series featuring A.W. Tillinghast historian Phil Young.
The year 1916 marked two milestones in golf. The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) was founded in New York City, and Shackamaxon Country Club, with its A.W. Tillinghast designed course, debuted in Scotch Plains, N.J. Opened in Westfield (now Scotch Plains) during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, Shackamaxon Country Club (“Shack” as it is known) will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong series of speakers, events, tournaments and activities.
To kick off the celebration, the club will introduce the Shackamaxon Speaker Series with topics ranging from golf history, featuring A.W. Tillinghast historian Phil Young (March 4), to the upcoming presidential election with political pundit Dick Morris (April 27, open to the public).
On May 23, registered participants may take part in the Centennial Invitational 18-hole golf tournament, and on August 2-3, the club will host the New Jersey State Golf Association’s Senior Amateur Championship. In the fall, the club will culminate its celebration with an elegant centennial gala on October 8.
Shackamaxon’s 100-year anniversary is especially meaningful to the club’s members, the community and golf course historians. Just five years ago in early 2011, the club’s future was in doubt, suffering from the effects of the economic downturn and dwindling memberships in the wake of uncertainty. In December of 2011, an affiliate of RDC Golf Group, a golf course ownership and management company, purchased the club and began the renaissance of Shackamaxon.
Now, the historic club that was nearly lost is basking in success with golf memberships near capacity and social/sports memberships tripling with the club’s introduction of family oriented amenities. Recent club enhancements include the addition of a multi-million dollar resort-style pool complex in 2015; a full golf course bunker restoration and the re-design of an existing par 4 into an acclaimed Tillinghast-inspired “Reef” par 3-hole; an extensive men’s locker room renovation; and refurbishment of the club’s stately ballroom and grill room bar.
“We are honored and fortunate to be part of ‘Shack’s’ recent resurgence, and thank our members—new and long term—for making it possible,” said Christopher Schiavone, managing partner and chief executive officer of RDC Golf Group, Inc. “This Tillinghast treasure in the New Jersey suburbs is a special club that we have focused on making an exceptional value for members and their families.”
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