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Brae Burn Country Club

Coordinates:42°20′18.67″N71°14′2.50″W/ 42.3385194°N 71.2340278°W/42.3385194; -71.2340278
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Brae Burn Country Club
Brae Burn County Club
Club information
LocationNewton, Massachusetts
Established1897
TypePrivate
Total holes27
Events hosted
Websitewww.braeburngolf
Designed byDonald Ross
Par72
Length6,724 (championship tees)
Course rating74.7
Course record64 – Nick Maccario[1]

Brae Burn Country Clubis a country club located inNewton, Massachusetts.Brae Burn was originally a six-hole golf course but quickly evolved into a nine-hole course and then a full 18-hole course. In 1912 and 1928,Donald Rossre-designed the course, convincing theUSGAto host the1919 U.S. Openand1928 U.S. Amateurat the club. The course has been largely stable since then other than some modifications byGeoffrey Cornishin the 1960s. In the early 21st century, however, Brae Burn has been the center of some controversies regarding the existence of a chain-link fence the club has constructed as well as "generous tax breaks" Brae Burn has received from theState of Massachusetts.

History[edit]

The Brae Burn course was built in 1897. Early in the year theBoston Evening Transcriptannounced, "Grounds have already been secured and work on the course is under way."[2]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 12, 1897.[3]The course was built during "a golf course building boom" inNewton, Massachusettsduring the late 1890s.[4]Six courses, including Brae Burn and Woodland Golf Club, were built in town during this era.[4]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 theScotslanguage "brae" means a bank against a valley and "burn" refers to a stream.[5][6]In March 1898, the club was "elected to allied membership" to theUnited States Golf Association(USGA).[7]The following year, the first clubhouse was constructed.[3]

Brae Burn was originally six-hole course. However, it soon evolved into a nine-hole course.[3]In 1901,The Boston Postsuggested that Brae Burn and Woodland Golf Club could merge their nine-hole courses into one 18-hole course. There were several nine-hole courses inNewtonbut no full-length courses.[8]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.[9]At the annual meeting, held in December, the committee voted to extend the course to 18 holes.[10]The course had 135 acres to work with which helped facilitate this expansion.[10]The course would be 6,007 yards.[10]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.[10][11]Summer sports like tennis and archery were possible additions.[11]A new clubhouse was intended to be completed in the spring of 1904.[10]Also during the spring, the club voted to change its name from Brae Burn Golf Club to Brae Burn Country Club.[11]In addition, they voted to limit membership to 300 members;[11]however, this was an expansion from the original 100 members list.[10]

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.[12]During the first decade of the 20th century, Brae Burn started The Boston Hockey League in conjunction with Winchester Country Club.[13][14]Curling and skiing were also popular winter sports.[9]

Shortly thereafter, Brae Burn started hosting notable golf tournaments. In the fall of 1906, the club hosted theU.S. Women's Amateur.It was their firstUSGAchampionship. It was won byHarriot Curtis.[15]Two years later, her sister,Margaret Curtis,won the Massachusetts Women's Amateur held at the club.[16]In 1912, the famed golf course architectDonald Rossre-designed the course in preparation for theMassachusetts Amateur.[5]In the middle of the summer, the course hosted the tournament. In the finals, Heinrich Schmitt defeatedFrancis Ouimet1 up.[17]Two years later, Brae Burn hosted the event again. Ouimet won this time.[5]In 1916, Brae Burn hosted theMassachusetts Openagain, now aPGA Tour-level event.[18]Boston'sMike Bradydefeated Ireland'sPat Doylein a playoff.[19]

In January 1917, theUnited States Golf Association(USGA) announced that Brae Burn would host the 1917 U.S. Open.[20]However, the event had to be delayed two years due toWorld War I.In June 1919, Brae Burn held the1919 U.S. Open.Brae Burn's greenskeeper spent much time preparing the course for the event. One of his changes was to make the fairways narrower.[21]Meanwhile, theUSGAdecided to set tees as far back as possible.[22]The tournament is best remembered as a duel betweenMike BradyandWalter Hagen.Brady took the solo second and third round leads.[23][24]However, Brady played poorly in the final round, ultimately shooting an 80, opening doors for Hagen.[25]On the final hole Hagen had a 10-foot putt to win. In an act of showmanship he solicited Brady from the clubhouse to show off and make him watch the winning putt. However, Hagen actually barely missed the putt. There would be an 18-hole playoff the next day.[26][25]The playoff was another neck-and-neck struggle. The most significant hole was the par-3 17th. Hagen held a two-stroke lead. He hit his tee shot into a bank of mud but was allowed a free drop.[27]Though Brady picked up a stroke on this hole some thought Hagen's score would be far worse if not for this "generous ruling."[28][26]On the par-4 final hole, Hagen again hit a poor tee shot, nearly into a brook, but managed to recover well and made par. Brady had a chip shot from just off the green to tie but it barely missed. Hagen won by one, 77 to 78.[28]

In the 1920s, there were many modifications to the course, partly to suit the growing membership. At the onset of the decade, membership had reached a record 800 members.[9]Early in the 1920s, Brae Burn obtained more land from Henry B. Day, one of the founding members of the club, to create an additional nine hole course. In 1921, work on the course began. It was opened the following year, on September 22, 1922. It was known as the No. 2 course.[9]In 1924, nine holes on the main course underwent an "improvement of a minor or on a large scale."[29]In 1925, there were more modifications, "the most important being the from the 14th hole to the tee." Fourteen new fairway bunkers were installed on the hole. In addition, the fairway was narrowed by 20 yards.[30]During the era, Irish-born "Old" John Shanahan was the greenskeeper.[21]He was known as one of the best greenskeepers in the country. According toThe Boston Globe,he was known for producing the best "putting surfaces" in the country.[29]

In the mid-1920s, Brae Burn applied to host the1926 U.S. Amateur.[31]TheUSGAultimately selected them for the1928 U.S. Amateur.ArchitectDonald Rossperformed another re-design in preparation of the event.[3][5]According to theThe Pittsburgh Press,he "tightened up" the course.[32]A journalist forTheSpringfield Daily Republicannoted that "few would recognize" it from the1919 U.S. Opendays.[33]The tournament is best remembered for the second round match betweenBobby Jonesand Ray Gorton. Jones was the top golfer in the world and the defending champion while Gorton was a local insurance executive and Brae Burn club member. Gorton shocked Jones and led for much of the match. On the 18th hole they were tied. It looked like Jones had won as his fourth shot landed about three feet from the cup and partially obscured Gorton's putt, his fifth shot. However, Gorton somehow "curled his putt around the partial stymie" to tie and force extra holes. On the extra hole, Gorton again nearly made an extraordinary putt to tie but his 30-footer barely missed. Jones won the match.[34]Notable figures in the sports world were effusive in their praise of the performance. The following dayGrantland Rice,the famed sportswriter, wrote it was "one of the most spectacular golf matches ever played."[35]Referring to the back nine and extra hole,Walter Hagenstated: "That is the greatest 10 holes of match play golf I have ever seen."[35]The near loss did not have any effect on Jones. He dominated the rest of the tournament, winning all of his remaining three matches easily, defeating defendingBritish AmateurchampionPhilip Perkinsin the finals, 10 & 9.[36]

By the mid-20th century, Brae Burn was unable to host any more major championships orPGA Tour-level events as the length of the course was no longer challenging enough for modern players.[37]However, the club continued to host minor tournaments. In 1946, the course hosted theNew England Amateur.[38]It was won by local starTed Bishopwho won theU.S. Amateurthat year.[39]In 1950, Brae Burn hosted theMassachusetts Amateur.The Boston Globenoted thatDick Chapman,formerU.S. Amateurchamp, was deemed to be a threat.[40]Chapman did indeed win the event, defeating Edward Martin in extra holes.[41]In addition, that year the club hosted the Massachusetts Women's Amateur again.[16]It was won by Ann Boros, the wife ofJulius Boros.[16][42]In 1958, the course hosted theCurtis Cup,a ladies match play event between British amateurs and American amateurs.TheAssociated Pressnoted that it was "perhaps significant" that Brae Burn was hosting the tournament as the event's namesake wasMargaret Curtis,champion of the 1906U.S. Women's Amateurat Brae Burn.[43]Curtis attended the event.[6]The British, the defending champions, retained the cup at the1958 Curtis Cup,tying 4.5−4.5 points.[44]

The course has not had many alterations sinceDonald Ross' second re-design. In the mid-20th century,The Guardiannoted that Brae Burn had not changed in decades.[45]In the late 20th century, club pro Mickey Lane confirmed that the club had not changed much. "The place still has the feel and the look that it did years ago, with a few minor changes," he said.[3]One of the "minor changes" occurred in the 1960s. Noted local architectGeoffrey Cornishmade some modifications, especially improving the 11th green.[9]In addition, in 1990s the No. 2 course went under a series of renovations, especially the construction of cart paths.[9]To correspond with club's Scottish influence, the No. 2 was renamed the Highlands Course.[9]These changes have largely met with praise. For most of the late 20th century, the course was referenced as one of the top ten courses in the state byGolf Digest.[46]

In 1997, Brae Burn celebrated its 100th anniversary. A book was published by members to commemorate the anniversary. It is entitledBrae Burn Country Club, 1897−1997 Centenary: 100 Years of Golf and Family Life.[3]In addition, the USGA elected Brae Burn as the host for theU.S. Women's Amateurthat year to honor the centenary.[47]Italy'sSilvia Cavalleriwon defeating Robin Burke 5 & 4 in the finals. She became the first Italian to win the event.[48]

In the early 21st century, however, there have been some controversies. Many locals have protested the existence of a chain-link fence that Brae Burn constructed.[49]They found it unsightly. A group was created, the Brae Burn Country Club Neighbor Association (BBCCNA), to organize resistance. "What they are doing is legal, but it is incredibly unneighborly behavior," said Don Lessem, a founding member.[49]Some locals derisively referred to the course as "Fortress Brae Burn."[50]Brae Burn retorted that they maintained the fence to deter trespassers.[49]In addition, the club has faced criticism for allegedly "generous tax breaks" it has received from theState of Massachusetts.[50]In 2022, the club received $600,000 worth of tax breaks from the state.[50]The tax breaks Brae Burn and other top clubs in the state received was the top story for the May 3, 2023 edition ofThe Boston Globe.The mayor ofNewton,Ruthanne Fuller, was looking into the issue. She stated, "the level of abatement that state law currently allows deserves a second look."[50]Most Brae Burn members have defended the tax breaks, however. "Brae Burn does a lot for the community," stated member Deirdre Garrity tothe Globe.[50]

Scorecard[edit]

Main Course[51][52]
Tee Rating/Slope 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In Total


Par 4 4 4 4 5 3 4 3 4 35 5 4 3 5 5 4 4 3 4 37 72
SI (Men) 13 7 9 3 1 17 5 15 11 8 4 18 6 2 14 12 16 10
Gold M: 74.7/144 321 315 365 440 568 160 457 225 305 3,156 494 460 163 486 555 310 405 255 440 3,568 6,724
Blue M: 71.2/136 318 289 345 424 546 149 400 164 289 2,924 480 418 151 467 535 295 351 226 352 3,275 6,199
White M:64.9/112 406 279 318 362 477 133 377 159 250 2,760 456 406 117 460 439 285 340 216 333 3,094 5,854
Par 4 4 4 4 5 3 4 3 4 35 5 5 3 5 5 4 4 3 4 38 73
Red W: 73.4/132 308 272 305 359 474 131 374 148 241 2,612 453 403 117 449 434 277 336 212 316 2,997 5,609
SI (Women) 11 9 7 5 1 17 3 15 13 4 10 18 6 2 14 8 16 12


Highlands Course[53][54]
Tee Rating/Slope 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total


Par 4 3 5 3 4 3 4 4 3 33
SI (Men) 3/4 15/16 9/10 13/14 1/2 17/18 5/6 7/8 11/12
Blue 64.2/114 360 147 418 163 405 155 342 298 152 2,440
Par 4 3 5 3 5 3 4 4 3 34
SI (Women) 7/8 13/14 1/2 11/12 3/4 17/18 5/6 9/10 15/16
Red 66.2/117 352 135 406 148 392 123 330 288 139 2,313


References[edit]

  1. ^"Nick Maccario shoots course record, leads at 2019 Massachusetts Mid-Amateur".Mass Golf.24 September 2019.Retrieved17 March2020.
  2. ^ab"Country Club Golf".The Boston Evening Transcript.1 May 1897.Retrieved31 May2024– via Newspapers.
  3. ^abcdefPave, Marvin (15 June 1997)."Golfing history makes rounds at Brae Burn".The Boston Globe.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  4. ^abPave, Marvin (1 June 1997)."Golfing's roots run deep at Newton courses".The Boston Globe.Retrieved24 June2024– via Newspapers.
  5. ^abcd"Brae Burn Country Club: Our History".braeburngolf.Retrieved19 May2024.
  6. ^ab"Women at Brae Burn".The Daily Telegraph.8 August 1958.Retrieved21 June2024– via Newspapers.
  7. ^"Awarded to Myopia".The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.Retrieved31 May2024– via Newspapers.
  8. ^Lockwood, Arthur G. (1 December 1901)."Wholesale Amalgamation of Golf Clubs Planned---Arthur G. Lockwood Applauds the Movement".The Boston Globe.Retrieved21 May2024– via Newspapers.
  9. ^abcdefg"10 Things To Know: Brae Burn Country Club".MassGolf.Retrieved20 May2024.
  10. ^abcdef"Golf Growth".The Boston Globe.27 December 1903.Retrieved21 May2024– via Newspapers.
  11. ^abcd"Due to Golf".The Boston Globe.13 March 1904.Retrieved22 May2024– via Newspapers.
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  13. ^"Going Along Swimmingly".The Boston Globe.21 January 1909.Retrieved22 May2024– via Newspapers.
  14. ^"Scheduled is Arranged".The Boston Globe.12 January 1911.Retrieved7 June2024.
  15. ^"Miss H.S. Curtis the New Champion".The Boston Globe.14 October 1906.Retrieved22 May2024– via Newspapers.
  16. ^abcMcCabe, Jim (7 August 1997)."He is shouldering the clubs - and carrying on tradition".The Boston Globe.Retrieved25 June2024– via Newspapers.
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  18. ^McGuiness, D.J. (9 July 1916)."Busy Golf Week Is Promised".The Boston Globe.Retrieved22 May2024– via Newspapers.
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  20. ^McGuiness, D.J. (21 January 1917)."National Events in the Golfing World".The Boston Globe.Retrieved23 May2024– via Newspapers.
  21. ^abMcGuiness, D.J. (7 June 1919)."Golfers All Seem Pleased by Condition of Brae Burn Links".The Boston Globe.Retrieved26 June2024– via Newspapers.
  22. ^McGuiness, D.J. (6 June 1919)."Those Low Scores Will Find Condition Changed Next Week".The Boston Globe.Retrieved26 June2024– via Newspapers.
  23. ^"Scores of Golfers in National Open Tourney".New York Herald.11 June 1919.Retrieved11 June2024.
  24. ^Rice, Grantland (12 June 1919)."Battle Between Homebreds Brings Thrills To Five Thousand on Brae Burn Links".New-York Tribune.Retrieved12 June2024– via Newspapers.
  25. ^abMcGuiness, D.J. (12 June 1919)."Hagen-Brady Tie for Open Title".The Boston Globe.Retrieved11 June2024– via Newspapers.
  26. ^abMcCabe, Jim (7 August 1997)."He is shouldering the clubs - and carrying on tradition".The Boston Globe.Retrieved25 June2024– via Newspapers.
  27. ^Concannon, Joe (11 June 1970)."Tricky green makes 17th at Brae Burn a real test".The Boston Globe.Retrieved21 June2024– via Newspapers.
  28. ^abMcGuiness, D.J. (12 June 1919)."Hagen Wins Open Golf Title".The Boston Globe.Retrieved11 June2024– via Newspapers.
  29. ^abMcGuiness, D.J. (15 November 1924)."Brae Burn to Make Bid for Amateur Title Event in 1926".The Boston Globe.Retrieved24 May2024– via Newspapers.
  30. ^McGuiness, D.J. (3 October 1925)."New England Behind Glenna".The Boston Globe.Retrieved29 May2024– via Newspapers.
  31. ^McGuiness, D.J. (15 November 1924)."Brae-Burn to Make Bid for Amateur Title Event in 1926".The Boston Globe.Retrieved24 May2024– via Newspapers.
  32. ^"Real Test Confronts Contenders in National Amateur at Brae Burn".The Boston Globe.12 August 1928.Retrieved25 June2024– via Newspapers.
  33. ^Bagg, Donald B. (12 August 1928)."Amateur Golfers Already Look Toward Brae Burn".The Springfield Daily Republican.Retrieved29 May2024– via Newspapers.
  34. ^Bell, Brian (13 September 1928)."Bad Drive of Gorton Saved Bobby Jones".The World-News.Retrieved29 May2024– via Newspapers.
  35. ^abRice, Grantland (13 September 1928)."Some Comments by Grantland Rice on Yesterday's Matches".The Boston Globe.Retrieved29 May2024– via Newspapers.
  36. ^Bagg, Donald B. (16 September 1928)."Bobby Jones Retains His National Amateur Golf Title".The Springfield Daily Republican.Retrieved21 June2024– via Newspapers.
  37. ^Roberts, Ernie (1 April 1979)."State Open, Brae Burn Will link up".The Boston Globe.Retrieved24 June2024.
  38. ^Fitzgerald, Tom (2 August 1946)."Nettlebladt Scores Upset at Brae Burn".The Boston Globe.Retrieved30 May2024– via Newspapers.
  39. ^"Past Champions".New England Golf Association.Retrieved27 June2024.
  40. ^Fitzgerald, Tom (9 July 1950)."Seasoned Golfer Expected to Annex State Amateur Crown".The Boston Globe.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  41. ^Fitzgerald, Tom (16 July 1950)."Chapman Beats Martin on 37th for State Amateur Title".The Boston Globe.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  42. ^"Women's Amateur Past Champions".MassGolf.Retrieved25 June2024.
  43. ^"American Women Seek To Regain Curtis Cup".The Times.3 August 1958.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  44. ^"British Women Golfers Retain Curtis Cup In Brae Burn Matches".The Hartford Courant.10 August 1958.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  45. ^Ward-Thomas, Pat (6 August 1958)."Sensible Choice of Brae Burn for Curtis Cup Match".The Guardian.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  46. ^"Brae Burn Country Club: Main".Golf Digest.Retrieved19 May2024.
  47. ^Harber, Paul (7 May 1992)."Brae Burn set, TCC close for Amateurs".The Boston Globe.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  48. ^McCabe, Jim (10 August 1997)."Her ray of hope faded quickly".The Boston Globe.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  49. ^abcPappano, Laura (8 October 1995)."Fence disputes divides golf club, neighborhood".The Boston Globe.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  50. ^abcdeHilliard, John (3 May 2023)."Their stroke of good fortune".The Boston Globe.Retrieved13 June2024– via Newspapers.
  51. ^"Brae Burn Country Club: Course Tour".braeburngolf.Retrieved2 July2024.
  52. ^"National Course Rating Database: Brae Burn Country Club".usga.org.Retrieved4 July2024.
  53. ^"Brae Burn Country Club: Course Tour".braeburngolf.Retrieved2 July2024.
  54. ^"National Course Rating Database: Brae Burn Country Club".usga.org.Retrieved4 July2024.

42°20′18.67″N71°14′2.50″W/ 42.3385194°N 71.2340278°W/42.3385194; -71.2340278

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