Wenham Country Club celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
Legend has it that in 1847 a group of young Myopia caddies played a makeshift 5 holes on what was then Tarr’s Pasture. Two years later it opened as a 9-hole course, with help from Myopia Hunt Club principals. A second 9 was added in 1924, partly on neighboring land owned by founding member Fred Batchelder. When a financial dispute erupted in 1929 between Batchelder and the club, the layout changed again by necessity. In fact, Batchelder was so angry, he developed the land next door and opened Lakeview.
Norm Tarr has shepherded WCC for the past 43 years. The 4,546-yard (par 65/67) course is situated on land that has been in his family since 1840. It’s a gem. One-hundred years ago there were still turnstyles around the greens to keep the cows off the putting surfaces. The bovines may be gone, but Wenham has moo-ved firmly into the future and the hearts of many North Shore players.
Tarr said the anniversary is “a big to-do. I’m excited. This is a big milestone for us, that we’ve been able to keep the property for so long. We’ve been through two pandemics, two world wars and one recession … and it’s remained a golf course all that time.”
Special anniversary events will include a mixed holiday tournament for members that features a couple of holes where players will use antique clubs. “We will encourage players to dress in period attire, something the golfers of 1899 might have worn,” said Tarr, with a smirk.
Alex Daly, course superintendent and a former history teacher, is fascinated by Wenham CC’s past. He’s spent hours digitizing boxes and boxes of old photographs. “Wenham Country Club at 125 is in a great place. The greens on holes 8 and 16 have not changed since 1927, but at the same time we are using modern innovations such as bee pollinator stations that are extremely environmentally friendly.”
Ryan McDonald, head PGA professional, is amazed that Wenham has been an integral part of North Shore golf for so long. “And I’m excited to see so many youngsters and young adult members out here every day. Friday nights, many young couples are here playing together. It’s nice to see the game being kind of reborn for a new generation at this familiar, friendly, family place.”
