Dorset in Bennington County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
The Dorset Field Club
Oldest Continually Operated Golf Course in the United States
On September 12, 1886 a group of golfers, principally from Troy and New York City, who summered in Dorset, laid out a nine hole golf course, then known as The Dorset Golf Links on this present site. The Club's first president and principal architect was A. W. Harrington, Jr. The other founding members were: Allen Bourne, Richard M. Campbell, James C. Chapin, Ransom H. Gillett, Joe H. Harrington, George B. Harrison, Fred S. Hawley, S. Frank Holley, W. E. Kent, Edwin Q. Lasell, O. P. Liscomb, George Lewis Prentiss and Henry S. Woodruff. The Dorset Field Club constructed a Fieldhouse in 1896 and it was named "Woodruff Hall" in honor of one of the founders. It is preserved as the dining room area of the present clubhouse.
(Continued on other side.)
Marker Reverse:
By 1886 Dorset had become a popular summer retreat and over the next century play increased and the course was lengthened and improved. The course underwent five substantial alterations and re-routings but always remained in the same location. It continued as a nine hole course with alternate tees for use on the second time around. Many of the early features are still recognizable. Adjacent land was acquired and in 1999 nine additional holes were opened. The course has become, not only venerable, but one of the most highly regarded in
Erected 2010 by Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1918.
Location. 43° 15.371′ N, 73° 6.024′ W. Marker is in Dorset, Vermont, in Bennington County. Marker is on Vermont Route 30, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dorset VT 05251, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dorset (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fenton Pottery Site (approx. ¾ mile away); Cephas Kent’s Dwelling (approx. 1.3 miles away); First Marble Quarry (approx. 1.6 miles away); Harmon's Mint (approx. 2.1 miles away); Birthplace of William Griffith Wilson (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Southern Vermont Arts Center (approx. 5.6 miles away); Ye Olde Tavern (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dorset.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. This page has been viewed 763 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on September 30, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. Photos: 1. submitted on June 15, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. 2. submitted on September 30, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. 3. submitted on October 21, 2014, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. 4. submitted on June 15, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.