The Kensington, Conn., property’s clubhouse features proclamations from the state, town, and the PGA in honor of the 100-year milestone. The golf course also hosted a 100-hole marathon for members on August 14.
It can be rare for a local country club to reach the 100-year milestone and still maintain the original look of the grounds, but Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Kensington, Conn., has accomplished just that, the Meriden, Conn., Record Journal reported.
“It really ties back to the beginning games of golf,” said Golf Professional Timothy Gavronski.
The private club was created in 1917 and designed in the Scottish Tradition by Willie Park Jr. Shuttle Meadow was Park’s first American course as an architect. A plaque on the first tee commemorates Park’s work, the Record Journal reported.
“There’s a lot of neat history here,” Gavronski said.
Bobby Jones, winner of both U.S. and British Opens in 1930, is one of 35 champions that have played the course. In honor of the 100th year plaques for Park and Jones, among others, have been placed around the grounds. A proclamation from the state, the Professional Golf Association, and most recently the Town of Berlin are all displayed at the entrance of the club for the 100-year milestone, the Record Journal reported.
“It’s great we have an organization like that here, it’s unique to Berlin,” said Mayor Mark Kaczynski.
The club is known for its legacy of members, Gavronski said, with generations of families joining throughout the years. “It’s just a great experience to come here,” said Gary Lefler, a member since 1991.
Like many dedicated members, Lefler can be found at the club on a regular basis. The Kensington resident, who resides in a home near the 12th hole, joined Gavronski on the green Monday morning a few hours after the annual 100-hole marathon kicked off, the Record Journal reported.
“It’s fitting that we play 100 holes at a course that’s 100-years old,” Gavronski said.
Former Shuttle Meadow assistant golf professionals Marc Bayram, now the pro at Timberlin Golf Club in Berlin, and Kyle Hedstrom, the pro at Stanley Golf Course in New Britain, participated in the all-day event to benefit the Connecticut Golf Foundation’s junior golf programs, the Record Journal reported.
“It’s always nice to come back here and see the old members,” Bayram said.
The golf pros have been completing 100 holes at Shuttle Meadow since 2011. The most they have raised has been just over $14,000. The goal is $10,000, the Record Journal reported.
“Our members are very supportive of this fundraiser,” Gavronski said.
The event supports junior golf, a bigger focus in recent years at Shuttle Meadow. The average golf member was close to 60 years old, but now the average is much younger, the Record Journal reported.
“We try to market as a family oriented place,” he said. “A little vacation away from home.”
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