Megunticook Golf Club, 1899-2024

Thu, 08/15/2024 - 10:15pm

(Photo courtesy Megunticook Golf Club)

The club house in the 1930s (Photo courtesy Megunticook Golf Club)

(Photo courtesy Megunticook Golf Club)

The club house in the 1930s (Photo courtesy Megunticook Golf Club)

(Photo courtesy Megunticook Golf Club)

In 1898, a six-hole golf course was laid out on borrowed land on Beauchamp Point in Rockport. It quickly became a permanent golf course when Philadelphian Charles Henry donated nearby woodland and pastureland. The club was organized specifically for golf in 1899 and opened in 1902, with a layout by groundskeeper Thomas Grant.

Today, the golf course encompasses 66 acres, with a 1.5-mile-long, nine-hole course, and this weekend, friends are gathering to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

The course is described as quirky with granite substrate and numerous high ledge that in some cases require blind approach shots, and, “putting on the sloppy and undulating greens can be diabolical,” said Karl Enroth, MGC General manager and Golf Professional.

The course is tight and tree lined and can penalize long hitters with some shots off the ledge taking wayward bounces, he said.

“It is highly recommended that all golfers come with a extremely good sense of humor to withstand the occasional shots that hits a granite outcropping,” said Enroth.

Architect Charles Brigham designed the club house, which is is the oldest golf building in the state of Maine and on the National Register of Historic Places. The chocolate brown clubhouse has the feel of an old-time lodge and was built by local ship builders in 1902.

“In some ways feels like an old wooden ship,” said Enroth. “It has been said if it got blown away in a hurricane it would float just fine.”

In addition to golf, tennis has a rich history at the club, with two hard courts and two clay courts. Pickleball was added in 2018 to the club's growing racquet sports programming. In addition, there are social events, including daily lunch, scheduled dinners, sports camps, movie nights, luncheons featuring prominent key speakers, bridge, mahjongg, and other social events throughout the club season.

"MGC began when a group of wealthy like-minded summer people got together for recreational fun,” said Enroth. “Today, the club is a mix of both summer residents and local year-round residents of the Midcoast. Through 125 years, the club has endured into a family club with members from all walks of life. At the heart of Megunticook Golf Club life, all members contribute to the camaraderie, trust, and mutual respect for each other and their families. The club has seen its share of changes in the last 125 years but it still holds dearly to its deep-rooted traditions that helped lay the framework to the club's founding in 1899."

To Celebrate the club’s 125^th anniversary season the following are weekend activities the members will be enjoying starting this Friday evening through Sunday

MEGUNTICOOK GOLF CLUB 125th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of ACTIVITIES

Friday, Aug. 16, 125th Anniversary Gala / Dinner Dance Cocktails, passed Hors d Oeuvres, Music, Welcoming Remarks, 6:30 pm Dinner, Dancing

Saturday, Aug. 17, Ol’ Time Sports Fun with a day filled with historic period theme sport activities celebrating the club’s 125th Anniversary. Themed Dress Attire highly encouraged.

Individual 4 Hole Golf Hickory Challenge – Closest to Pin #4. 9:30am Mixed Doubles – All white dress, vintage rackets.

Hickory Golf Scramble – 9 Holes, Period Dress encouraged.

Kids Activities and Ice Cream Social – Balloon Toss, Tug of War, Treasure Hunt, Closest to the Pin shot, 3 hole putting contest

Porch Gathering: An informal gathering for those who would like to enjoy a nice evening on the porch; no club bar. BYOB cocktails and bring-your-own-appetizers. Lawn Bowling on 1st Fairway, Badminton on the Hill, Corn Hole in front of Clubhouse

Aug. 18: Brunch and Awards Ceremony; Brunch featuring a ole time MGC menu favorite the “Megunticook Dream” to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary, Awards Ceremony from Saturday’s themed sport activities.