History
The location of the
first golf course at Norwich, Connecticut, was near the old home lot of
Benedict Arnold. A rector of one of the Episcopal Churches in Norwich
and a young golf enthusiast, who lived at the old Benedict Arnold place, laid
out a six-hole golf course beginning in the backyard of Arnold's old home.
These two enthusiasts slowly gained recruits... among them some women.
The first course had in one of its fairways a ledge. This ledge was used
in Indian times as a place where Indians ground their corn and the mortar
holes were visible in the ledge.
The first tournament of which we have
authentic information was in November, 1896, proven by the existence of a
small silver cup which for a number of years was contested for. On it is
engraved the names of the winners, dates, and their score.
This course and two succeeding
courses which were in the same general locality were laid out in a rough rock
country adjacent to the residential district lying between the city of Norwich
and Norwich Town Green.
In the archives of the club there is a
score card of the third course. This course was 2707 yards in length.
the score card does not show what par was in use at that time. The bogey
system was the criterion of excellence. The back of the card is filled
with local rules and penalties for lifting. A note at the bottom
announces that hole number one has no local rule.
On March 12th 1924 the Governors of Norwich
Golf Club authorized the Norwich Golf Land Corporation to purchase additional
land. It was stated that the "land has been characterized by a
celebrated golf course architect and constructor as the finest natural golf
land he has seen in this State and the equal of any in the
country". At that meeting on March 12th 1924 it was further
reported "Blueprints of the proposed new layout gotten out by Tull &
Tull, well known golf architects, with whom is associated Walter J. Travis
veteran golfer and now designer of courses were exhibited. If sufficient
money is raised Mr. Travis will polish off the plans, otherwise Tull &
Tull, who are entirely competant to act, will do all the work."
On April 19th 1924 the Norwich Bulletin
(newspaper) reports that the course plans were changed and new land acquired
including the Connelly farm of 31 acres, 11 acres of the Elmer Pierson farm,
and 18 acres of the James Allen farm. [The new plans were considerably
different from the original plans. It is not known whether these changes were
because of the review by Walter Travis or just changes instigated by Tull
& Tull or the Norwich Golf Club]. Work started in May
1924. The course opened Saturday July 4th 1925.
Prior to 1978 the golf course was owned by the Norwich Inn. In 1978 the
Norwich Inn and golf course were sold as separate parcels. The City of
Norwich purchased the golf course due to the efforts of Charles Whitty and
others interested in benefiting the citizens of Norwich and surrounding
communities. The course is open to the public.
There has been a lot of speculation
that the course was designed by Donald Ross. While many characteristics
of the course are similar to Donald Ross designs there is no evidence that he
participated in the design of the course.