At Atlantic City Country Club, history seems part of the fabric of the club. The original clubhouse dates back to 1897. (Courtesy Harrahs.com)

Atlantic City Country Club: More than a century of golf tradition

NORTHFIELD, N.J. — Since opening in 1897, Atlantic City Country Club has accumulated a history that puts it in an elite class. This golf course has played host to six USGA championships and scores of celebrities who played while entertaining in Atlantic City.

In 1901, noted golf course architect, Walter Travis won the U.S. Amateur there. The club's pro, Johnny McDermott, won the 1911 U.S. Open on his home course.

In 1948 at Atlantic City C.C., legendary female golfer, Babe Didrikson Zaharias won the first of her three Open titles. Carol Mann and Sandra Palmer would also claim that same title in later years at the club.

The course's address is 1 Leo Fraser Dr. It's named after the longtime course owner who purchased it just after World War II. Leo Fraser was the driving force behind what has become the Champions Tour.

Fraser hosted two senior opens in 1957 and '58. Atlantic City Country Club then hosted the first tournament of the senior tour in 1980 which was claimed by Don January.

The course is also reputed to be the birthplace of two commonly used golf terms. They claim the terms "birdie" and "eagle" were first used there to describe playing holes in one and two under par, respectively.

History seems part of the fabric of the club. The original 1897 clubhouse is incorporated in the current clubhouse.

Famed architect William Flynn worked on a redesign of the course in 1925 and that remained the last major reworking for more than 70 years. Tom Doak was then called in to do a major overhaul, which was really a restoration to the original design intent.

At the end of each day, a bell is rung at Atlantic City Country Club. This is a nod to a practice in the early 1900s when the bell would warn golfers that the last trolley of the day was preparing to leave for Atlantic City.

The course slogan is "Play A Round With History." Atlantic City Country Club certainly has a proud one to look back on.

If you go

Call (609) 236-4400 or click here for New Jersey tee time information.

April 12, 2007