History
In the mid-1980’s Ian Camfield had the vision and the dream of creating a country club in Stonington. With a small group of Founders, this goal was pursued to a successful conclusion, despite adverse conditions. The economic environment at the time was extremely difficult. The weather in the form of Hurricane Bob delayed the initial opening of the course. The approval process to build a country club took close to two years requiring close coordination with the course designer, Al Zikorus. The Stonington Country Club, Incorporated July 13, 1988.
In August 1992, the first nine holes and a partially completed clubhouse were opened. Much of this was accomplished by the dedication of the early members who worked tirelessly to ensure that everything would come together as planned.
Two years later in the spring of 1994, the back nine opened with five holes. The design of the back nine was enhanced by Ron Forse, a golf course architect from Pennsylvania. He refined the original plans that had been laid out approximately seven years earlier by Al Zikorus. The final four holes, which completed the back nine, opened in October 1997. A gala celebration, with a piper in full regalia, recognized this wonderful occasion.
An extraordinary aspect of the development of the Club was that all the financing required came from the generosity of our members. When funding was required, the members came forward by underwriting debentures, naming holes on the course, and by other means. This was truly remarkable and is a part of the Club’s history which we are extremely proud.
In 1999 it was apparent the original clubhouse could no longer adequately satisfy the needs of a greatly expanded membership. Once again, we called upon our fellow members, contractor Wes Maxwell, and architect Bill Roehl to enlarge the clubhouse. A wonderful addition was completed in June of 2001 with an opening ceremony to celebrate the incredible milestones accomplished in the first decade.
In 2019, the original Clubhouse patio area was enclosed to create a 1,200 square foot Pub Room with seating for over 40 members and guests. The original oak wood bar was disassembled and reconstructed so members and their guests could enjoy beverages while viewing the ninth green and first tee. The Pub Room quickly became the preferred seating area for dining. In 2020 pavers were laid to create a 1,325 square foot outdoor patio with seating, outdoor umbrellas, and a fire pit. The addition and the outdoor patio enabled the Club to continue to offer food and beverage service outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21 when indoor dining was suspended.
With 2020, came further change as the Club moved forward with its vision to build a new 2,400 square foot Golf Academy. The Academy includes 6 hitting stations with doors that open to the range for use in the off season on the main level and bag storage on the lower level. Bob Evans, Jr., Club President, accompanied by other passionate members, was instrumental in executing this vision that is now much enjoyed by the members.
In 2020 the Club hired its first General Manager, Robin Rasch, LPGA. In 2022 the Food & Beverage and Golf Departments came under the direct management of the Club. With these changes also came new staff – Green Superintendent, Food & Beverage Director, Executive Chef, and Office Administrator.
Planned capital projects are vital for the continued success and growth of the Club. In 2021 major renovations began in the locker rooms and Golf Shop with both projects completed in 2022. In 2023 the first on-course restroom was completed and work on an additional backup-well began. In October of 2024 construction began on the renovation of the main floor of the clubhouse – extending the roof line for more shade on the patio, adding an outdoor bar and second firepit, and updating the indoor seating, restrooms, and office spaces.
Six irrigation ponds help keep our turf playable. The course has 53 bunkers, 4 acres of greens, 2.5 acres of tees, 22.5 acres of fairways, and 42 acres of rough. We have 6 irrigation ponds. The tees and fairways are comprised of mainly creeping bentgrass and the greens are roughly 80% creeping bentgrass and 20% poa annua. The rough is a mix of fescue, rye grass and Kentucky bluegrass.