Our History

Embrace our rich history as we respond by upholding our traditions, but also meeting contemporary club expectations through personalized services and upscale amenities.

Club History

  1. 1895

    January 1, Country Club organized.  On New Year’s Day, 1895 the Genesee Valley Club held its traditional open house and during the reception, about twenty five men withdrew to a private room. There they talked about their idea, and their idea became the Country Club.  The founders were leaders in nearly every worthwhile endeavor in the Genesee Valley.

  2. 1902

    Clubhouse burned down, liquor saved, estimated loss on building is $15,000.  The building was insured for $5,000.  The loss on the contents of the lockers alone was estimated to be $7,500.  Thankfully there was no loss of life.

  3. 1905

    New clubhouse is completed and open.

  4. 1913

    Donald Ross, Scotsman and pre-eminent golf architect of his time, spends two days at CCR making plans then submitting blueprints for new 18 hole course. The land purchased south of Elmwood used to accommodate 15 holes, 3 holes on clubhouse side of Elmwood. Ross surveys and hits shots on purposed holes in planning tougher course.

  5. 1913

    Walter Hagen becomes CCR Head Golf Professional.

  6.  
    1914

    CCR Club Pro Walter Hagen wins US Open. His tally of 11 professional majors is third behind Jack Nicklaus (18) and Tiger Woods (14). Hagen won the U.S. Open twice, and in 1922 he became the first native-born American to win the British Open, and won the Claret Jug three more times. He also won the PGA Championship a record-tying five times (all in match play), and the Western Open five times when it had near-major championship status. Hagen totaled 45 PGA wins in his career, and was a six-time Ryder Cup captain. He was a founding member of the PGA of America.

  7.  
    1930

    For many years, the Club maintained stables for members’ horses and a pack of American foxhounds could be heard clear across Brighton during seasonal drag hunts. Riding was popular, and the Club’s Horse Show was an annual event.

  8.  
    1931

    Newly acquired land near todays 9th hole used as a Polo Field

  9.  
    1931

    Donald Ross back again. New design essentially the course we play today. Sixteen holes across Elmwood Avenue, two on clubhouse side of Elmwood. Ross, now famous, designer of some 400 courses in the US, Canada, Cuba, including such greats as Oakland Hills, Inverness, Brae Burn, Pinehurst, Mid-Pines, Seminole, The Broadmoor, Chevy Chase, Congressional and Oak Hill.

  10.  
    1934

    First Annual CCR Horse Show.  Members and equestrians from around western NY would compete in this annual event with crowds of up to 700 in attendance.

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  11. 1935

    Annual Pig Roast started by Bosie DePuy donating a pig he won in the Allendale School raffle. On his way home from Allendale, he stopped at the Country Club and took the pig to show Herman at the bar. Miss Barrett, then Club Manager, asked the chef if he could roast the pig for an upcoming Saturday buffet, everyone agreed that it was a fine idea. And that was the start of the Pig Roast. In 2016 over 500 members and guests attended the roast.


  12. 1945

    CCR publishes first of four books, Through Half a Century, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Country Club of Rochester, authored by Howard C. Hosmer, Democrat and Chronicle write.  Five hundred copies were printed.

  13.  
    1950

    Sam Urzetta wins US Amateur in 39 hole playoff vs. Frank Stranahan, heir to the Champion spark plug fortun. Sam’s other achievements during his amateau career include winning the 1948 NYS Men’s Championship, three consecutive CCR invitations (‘50, ‘51, ‘52), three Monroe Invitationals (‘48, ‘49, ‘50), two RDGA Championships, participating twice on the US Walker Cup Team and participating twice in the Masters Tournaments in 1951, 1952, 1956, 1957, tying for 12th in 1956.

  14. 1953

    CCR Hosts First USGA sanctioned Women’s National Open. Betsy Rawls wins in playoff with Jackie Pung.

  15.  
    1960

    Robert Trent Jones, former CCR caddie designs new holes 5, 6, 7.

  16.  
    1962

    CCR Hosts USGA Women’s Amateur, field includes British and US Curtis Cup stars. Also included were CCR members Jean and Anne Trainor, Judy Warren, Ann Coupe, Janie Bush. JoAnne Gunderson wins. Also competing was Wimbledon and US Open tennis champion Althea Gibson.

  17.  
    1969

    Laying of Cornerstone for new clubhouse.

  18.  
    1970

    CCR publishes second book, The Year of the Diamond, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Country Club of Rochester. Authored by Howard C. Hosmer.

  19.  
    1973

    CCR Hosts USGA Women’s Open for second time. Susie Berning wins back to back Opens.

  20.  
    1978

    Women elected to full voting membership.

  21.  
    1995

    Centennial celebrated throughout the year. CCR publishes third book, The First Hundred Years, commemorating the 100th year of the founding of The Country Club of Rochester. Compiled and written by Joseph Lee Taylor.

  22.  
    2001

    Gil Hanse, famed golf course architect, was hired to develop a Master Plan and renovate the CCR course. Subsequently, Gil was also selected to design the 2016 Olympic golf course in Brazil, the first Olympic venue to host golf since 1904.

  23.  
    2006

    Golf Digest awards CCR “best renovated course” award.

  24.  
    2008

    CCR publishes fourth book, Lasting Impressions, authored by Jeff Silverman.

  25.  
    2010

    CCR Junior Golf Academy begins.

  26.  
    2014

    CCR hosts Rolex Girls Junior Championship. Twelve to eighteen-year-old girls from around the world participate. Tournament won by Elizabeth Wang of San Marino California

  27. 2016

    For the second time, CCR hosts the Rolex Girls Junior Championship, Tournament won by Gina Kim of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Thistle Hall and Pool Complex opens. The complex adds a new dimension to the amenities the club provides its members. Some of its offerings include a state-of-the-art workout facility, casual dining, a golf simulator and pool complex.