The original course was of rather primitive design, reflective of the early era of golf. Nine holes were laid out on either side of the Brighton Road and each hole was given a descriptive name in British manner. These names remain today as designations for our Club’s overnight guest rooms — Hub, Stonewall, Hickory and Blue Point. As interest in golf grew, the original course was changed and expanded. Donald Ross, Scotsman and distinguished golf course architect of his time, designed what is essentially the course we play today, followed in more recent years by Robert Trent Jones and Arthur Hills. A Master Plan restoration was completed in 2004 by Golf Course Architect, Gil Hanse.
Through the years
In the early days, our Club's reputation was enhanced by the feats of the Thistle Golf Team, a group of CCR members who competed in the League of the Lower Lakes. The League included teams from clubs in Canada, Buffalo, Cleveland and Syracuse. According to reports of the day, the Thistle Team competed in great splendor, wearing scarlet jackets and white linen knickers. Later, more of the game’s luster adorned the Club through the fame of the incomparable Walter Hagen, one of the greatest of professional golfers, and certainly the game's most colorful player. Hagen grew up in Brighton, near the Country Club, where he was first a caddie and later became club professional. Sam Urzetta, who won the 1950 National Amateur Championship and played on two Walker Cup Teams, was head professional here for thirty-seven years, longer than any man before him. Sam is, along with Walter Hagen, probably the finest golfer ever to come out of this area.
Continuing the Tradition
We find ourselves in an enviable position resulting from maintaining vigilance to The Country Club of Rochester’s rich history. The friendships that run through our Club emanate from our traditions, storied golf lineage, colorful members and professionals that have preceded us. It is fair to say that CCR played an instrumental role in the birth of golf in the United States. Our original Donald Ross golf course serves as the thread that ties each generation of member to the next and fortifies the foundation for the wonderful relationships that have developed. Such endeavors in preservation are a most meaningful attribute, and reflect most favorably on the Members of yesteryear, current and the future.