The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry in partnership with the Buffalo District Golf Association (“BDGA”) has announced the return of the Erie County Amateur Golf Championship to historic Grover Cleveland golf course, the site of the 1912 U.S. Open. Over one hundred local amateur golfers, including four returning champions, are registered to compete in the two-day, 36-hole stroke play competition taking place July 8-9. This year the Championship is sponsored by Donald Ross Sportswear, which is providing a kickoff dinner on Friday night for First Tee golfers and their families as well as breakfast on the first day of competition and goody bags with Donald Ross-brand shirts and hats. Donald Ross was the architect of the course redesign in 1917-18 and today four original Donald Ross holes remain (3, 14, 17, 18).
“The Erie County Amateur Championships are a showcase for top local talent and what better place to show that talent than at the home of the 1912 U.S. Open, historic Grover Cleveland golf course. The course is in great condition, a strong field of contenders are entered and we are ready for a weekend of fun competition that will be challenging and enjoyable for all,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I thank the Parks Department and their partner, the BDGA, for their hard work in putting this popular event together annually, and thanks to Donald Ross Sportswear for their generous sponsorship.”
“Donald Ross Sportswear is proud to partner with the Erie County Parks Department in sponsoring the Erie County Amateur Golf Championship being held at Grover Cleveland Golf Course,” said Donald Ross Sportswear CEO Robert J. Stein. “Our namesake, Donald Ross was involved with the design of this historical site. Donald Ross Sportswear is excited to donate shirts, caps, and food to all participants. We will also be donating a commemorative plaque in recognition to Ross’s contribution to Grover Cleveland golf course and to Golf in Buffalo.”
Golfers will compete across five divisions at the event: the Men’s Open Division, Men’s Senior Division (ages 50+), Women’s Division, Boys’ Division (18 & under) and Girls’ Division (18 & under). This Championship is open to amateur golfers who have an active USGA GHIN Handicap at a BDGA Member Club or reside in BDGA territory and have an active GHIN Handicap through NYSGA eClub of Western New York (Residency Required). If there is a tie for the winner in any division, a sudden death will be used unless it is impossible due to darkness or course unavailability.
Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel added, “We look forward to another great tournament this year and are excited to see the talent that this event draws every year. We couldn’t do this without strong partnerships, and I thank the BDGA for their help in making this a success every year as well as Donald Ross Sportswear for their sponsorship.”
Background on Grover Cleveland Golf Course:
Grover Cleveland Golf Course is a 5,621-yard par 69 located in the City of Buffalo and was the Country Club of Buffalo from 1902-1925. The course was laid out by club member Ganson Depew. In 1910 the Country Club of Buffalo began its attempt to secure the Open Championship. With Golf Architect Walter Travis’s input and suggestions, the course was awarded the 18th annual Open Championship of 1912. The tournament was won by defending champion John McDermott. In 1911 he was both the youngest and first American to win the U.S. Open.
In 1917-18 Golf Architect Donald Ross redesigned the course. The course is the only public golf facility in North America to be designed by two of the most famous Golf Architects of the early 20th century. In 1925 the Country Club of Buffalo sold the course to the City of Buffalo and it was renamed Grover Cleveland Park after the former Buffalo Mayor and United States President. In 1947 the City of Buffalo transferred 16 ½ acres of the course to the U.S. Government for a Veterans Hospital. Three holes and part of a 4th were lost. Three new holes (the 7th, 15th and 16th) were added. In 1982 the City of Buffalo sold Grover Cleveland Park to Erie County for $1.00 and it was renamed Grover Cleveland Golf Course and Park.
Nine of the “1912 U. S Open” holes still exist (today’s 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th holes) and the course is noted for its very difficult green complexes, designed by Donald Ross, including the 3rd, 14th, 17th and 18th holes. The 17th hole “Redan” style par 3 is annually rated as one of the best par 3’s in Western New York.
Recent renovations have seen the installation of a fully automated watering system, restoration of the fescue rough to delineate many of the fairways that make it reminiscent of courses on the British Isles and rebuilding of many of the bunkers to designs that harken back to the days of Travis and Ross. Whether you are new to the game or an “old pro”, you will enjoy testing your game at the home of the 1912 U.S. Open.
