Waterford in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Golf Course

Photographed By Michael Herrick, March 21, 2023

1. Golf Course Marker

Inscription.

Golf Course. . , In 1897, a farm originally owned by the Rogers family east of the future Harkness estate became a nine-hole course for residents of the Pequot Colony in New London. It was called the Quaganapoxet Golf Club, from an Indian word meaning "salt marshes." The course thrived for a decade, but financial difficulties eventually forced the club to close. Shortly thereafter, Edward Harkness bought the property, some of the existing holes may have been worked into his future course design. A putting practice green was located on the south side of the Eolia mansion. , Harkness loved to play golf, although sadly only an "average" player. However this did not stop his desire to have his own course. When the neighboring Rumrill property was put on the market, Harkness snapped it up and was able to have his own 11 hole course at last! The course was designed as a 9 hole course, but two of the holes could be played in reverse, allowing for longer play. Although no plans have been discovered for the course, recent research by Anthony Pioppi of Middletown, a golf writer and historian, has shown that a possible designer may have been Wayne Stiles who was the landscape architect who originally designed the plantings for the West garden in 1909. He eventually went on to design over 40 courses nation wide and is thought to be one of the finest golf course designers of his time. Is the Harkness' course an early example of Stiles' work? Stiles' biographers, Bob Labbance and Kevin Mendik, tried to find out, but again, there was no documentation. Two depressions in the lawn, south and to the west of Eolia, indicate where two of the course's former sand traps were located. , Special thanks to John Ruddy of The Day and all those who contributed to The Day article published on November 8, 2021. , ( photo caption ) , This is the possible layout of the former nine-hole golf course at Eolia, now Harkness Memorial State Park. It's based on incomplete documentation and educated guesswork by golf researcher Bret Lawrence. , Graphic by Scott Ritter of The Day with input by Bret Lawrence and John Ruddy

In 1897, a farm originally owned by the Rogers family east of the future Harkness estate became a nine-hole course for residents of the Pequot Colony in New London. It was called the Quaganapoxet Golf Club, from an Indian word meaning "salt marshes." The course thrived for a decade, but financial difficulties eventually forced the club to close. Shortly thereafter, Edward Harkness bought the property, some of the existing holes may have been worked into his future course design. A putting practice green was located on the south side of the Eolia mansion.

Harkness loved to play golf, although sadly only an "average" player. However this did not stop his desire to have his own course. When the neighboring Rumrill property was put on the market, Harkness snapped it up and was able to have his own 11 hole course at last! The course was designed as a 9 hole course, but two of the holes could be played in reverse, allowing for longer play. Although no plans have been discovered for the course, recent research by Anthony Pioppi of Middletown, a golf writer and historian, has shown that a possible designer may have been Wayne Stiles who was the landscape architect who originally designed the plantings for the West garden in 1909. He eventually went on to design over 40 courses nation wide and is thought to be one of the finest golf

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course designers of his time. Is the Harkness' course an early example of Stiles' work? Stiles' biographers, Bob Labbance and Kevin Mendik, tried to find out, but again, there was no documentation. Two depressions in the lawn, south and to the west of Eolia, indicate where two of the course's former sand traps were located.

Special thanks to John Ruddy of The Day and all those who contributed to The Day article published on November 8, 2021.

( photo caption )
This is the possible layout of the former nine-hole golf course at Eolia, now Harkness Memorial State Park. It's based on incomplete documentation and educated guesswork by golf researcher Bret Lawrence.
Graphic by Scott Ritter of The Day with input by Bret Lawrence and John Ruddy

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is November 8, 2021.

Location. 41° 18.15′ N, 72° 6.909′ W. Marker is in Waterford, Connecticut, in New London County. Marker can be reached from Great Neck Road east of W Neck Road, on the right when traveling east. Located in Harkness Memorial State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waterford CT 06385, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chapin and Rumrill Mansions (here, next to this marker); Harkness Memorial State Park

Photographed By Michael Herrick, March 21, 2023

2. Golf Course Marker

( on the left )

(within shouting distance of this marker); Eolia Mansion (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Italian (West) Garden (about 500 feet away); Water Tower & Cutting Garden (about 600 feet away); The Carriage House (about 700 feet away); The East Neck Cemetery (approx. 1.2 miles away); Monte Cristo Cottage (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterford.

Also see . . .
1. https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Harkness-Memorial-State-Park. (Submitted on April 21, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Friends of Harkness. (Submitted on April 21, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.