Atlantic City Country Club

ATLANTIC CITY COUNTRY CLUB

Ever wonder where the feathered terms birdie and eagle were coined? Have you ever thought the exact hole number it was uttered? Ask no more! The Atlantic City Country Club has the answer and provides more than the facts because it lets you walk the history and the footsteps of the course’s champions.

It was from Ab Smith’s statement, “That was a bird of a shot” that brought the term birdie during the matched he played in 1899 at the same course. Then, the term eagle was later added to the lexicon referring to big bird and to keep the birdie’s avian image. It was in hole #10 where birdie originated. Today, the national and international world of golf recognizes that the terms was originally used at the course. Golfers will be able to see a solid proof, located at the course, with the plaque embedded at a rock which serves as a symbol of the word’s origin.

The rich history of the country club does not end with the golf terms but it continues with the change in ownership throughout its existence. It was established in 1897 and the Hilton Hotels purchased it in 1998. It remained a private course during the ownership of the Hilton Hotels and it became public after the purchase of Harrah’s Entertainment. It also underwent renovations with the talented golf designers such as John Reid in 1897, Willie Park Jr. in 1915, William S. Flynn and Howard C. Toomey in 1925 and Tom Doak in 1999.

There are seven national championships that the country club has hosted including U.S. Amateur in 1901, U.S. Women’s Open in 1948, U.S. Women’s Open in 1965, U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur in 1967, U.S.Women’s Open in 1975, Atlantic City Senior International in 1980 and U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur in 1997.

The 18-hole golf course features par 70 from the longest tee with a yardage of 6, 539, slope rating of 128 and course rating of 72. The 14th hole, known as Salt Marsh, is short. The length of this course gives the long hitter a challenging play which requires a more conservative play to cup the ball. The beautiful skyline provides a spectacular view as golfers tee off in this hole. The 18th hole, known as Trolley Back, signals the last but intimidating hole of the game. Golfers must depend their play according to the type of the wind and an accurate drive to put the ball in the hole. At the end of the game, an impressive clubhouse awaits them.