Wenham CC celebrated its 125th anniversary on July 4, hosting a throwback tournament where participants played three of the holes using period clubs and specially-made gutta percha golf balls made to play like and look like those used in the early 1900s.
Fifty-four members, many dressed in vintage clothing or patriotic outfits, competed in the 18-hole shotgun-start bramble-style event.
On hole #4, players teed off using clubs from the 1970s. On hole #10, golfers played the entire hole using clubs from the early 1900s. And on hole #13, players used clubs from the 1930s.
The event got off to a rousing start. In his first shot of the day, David Horne got a hole-in-one on the 115-yard 2nd hole using a gap wedge. It was the 10th ace in the Danvers resident’s career. The lefty carries a 6-handicap.
On the 10th hole, Christina Metz used a 1900-era “wedge” to blast out of a sand trap. The ball ended up just 6 inches from the pin.
Course owners Norm and Sue Tarr were stationed on the 10th tee, handing out a gutta percha ball to each player and explaining how each classic club compared to current clubs.
In an ironic twist during this old-fashioned event, golf carts were equipped with brand new GPS devices.
Wenham Country Club ordered specially-made gutta percha golf balls for their 125th anniversary tournament.
David Horne, of Danvers, wears a period-correct outfit as he rolls a putt with an early 1900s putter during Wenham Country Club’s 125th anniversary tournament.
Pat Frithsen, of Hamilton, tees off on hole #4 with a wood from the 1970s.
On hole #4, golfers had to tee off using clubs from the 1970s during Wenham Country Club’s 125th anniversary tournament.
Colleen Sullivan, of Beverly, rolls a putt on the 10th at Wenham Country Club with an early 1900s putter.
