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HISTORY OF THE PUNXSUTAWNEY COUNTRY CLUB
With 2004 marking our 100th year anniversary, we are reminded of the unique history behind the Punxsutawney Country Club. We are very proud of this history, and of all of our members (past & present) who each played a verse in making our club what it is today. To help celebrate our Centennial, much of this history (as well as interesting stories of our club’s and it’s unique members) should be available in hardbound, later this year. We are sure that you will find this very informative & interesting.
In short however, a brief history can be explained as follows…
| 1899 - |
Although the PCC did not actually become a legal organization until 1904, plans for the club existed back in 1899.
With an original membership of 46, the Carmalt Farm, which was a 100-acre property (owned by the R & P Coal Company) was the site for the potential 9-hole course. 3 Holes were built in 1899; the second 3 built in 1900; and the final 3 in 1901. These 9 holes measured 2,473 yards, and would eventually have their own names (in order) – High Hopes, Lane, Highway, Hazard, Dale, San Juan, Piedmont, Columbus, & Home. The farmhouse was used as a clubhouse, and a barn was also used for autos and equipment. |
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| 1904 - |
The Punxsutawney Country Club became a legal organization. |
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| 1907 - |
The Carmalt Farm was purchased from R & P Coal Company for $4,000. Also, plans to expand the clubhouse were inniated. A porch was added to 3 sides of the clubhouse, and lockers, a bath and social rooms all took form. (This clubhouse would remain in function until 1998.) A tennis court, as well as a Roué court was also constructed. Caddies were available for $.10. |
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| 1915 - |
Water lines were installed to all greens. Several new greens were built, expanding the yardage to 2,777. Par was established at 33.4. |
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| 1923 - |
Walter Hagen and Aussie, Joe Kirkwood played an 18-hole match at Punxsutawney Country Club. Hagen shot a 73, while Kirkwood shot 66. |
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| 1926 - |
A league consisting of 8 Clubs was formed to play team matches, each team consisting of 11 golfers. League included Ridgeway, Brookville, Kittanning, New Bethlehem, Dubois, Indiana, Latrobe, and Punxsy. |
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| 1927 - |
A private plane (piloted by A.P. Kerr) utilized #9 fairway in an emergency landing. He was on route from Philly to Dubois, and was lost. He received direction, and was off. Several fairway plane landings took place in the 20’s & 30’s, with no fatalities. |
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| 1935 - |
An additional 28 acres was purchased from the R & P Coal Company, for $300.00. A total of 2800 Pine seedlings were donated, and planted on the hills behind the Clubhouse. Thousands more Pine, Spruce, & Chestnut seedlings were planted the following year, on the hill which now lines hole #6. A bar was constructed in the clubhouse (despite many protests), shortly after the end of Prohibition. |
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| 1937 - |
Social Memberships ($10) were first introduced. |
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| 1939 - |
A 20’ x 30’ addition was added on to the Clubhouse. Dues were as follows: Golfing: Man - $25, Man/Wife - $35, Ladies - $10, Out of Town - $15, Social: Men - $10, Man/Wife - $15. |
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| 1941 - |
The rebuilding of #7 & #9 was complete. Membership totaled 240. |
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| 1942 - |
Due to the war, golf ball manufacturing had seized until 1945, causing golfers to send used balls to be re-conditioned. Caddies made big profits on the sale of lost balls. |
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| 1944 - |
For the first time, the club reported no debt. |
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| 1946 - |
Club was fined $400 for possession of 6 slot machines. |
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| 1974 - |
The second nine was completed. |
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| 1999 - |
The new clubhouse opened for events. |
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| Today - |
The Punxsutawney Country Club remains a true club, with no ownership, operating as a non-profit organization. |
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