The Country Club of Farmington is far more than a beautiful Devereux Emmet golf course along the Farmington River. It is a membership that has supported the Connecticut State Golf Association and its players almost since its inception in the 18th century.
The latest evidence of the club’s commitment to Connecticut golf was its hosting of the 15th Russell C. Palmer Cup in May. Farmington also hosted the 1963 Connecticut Open Championship, the 1996 and 2002 Connecticut Amateur championships as well as countless national championship qualifiers and One Day tournaments.
The club dates back to the 1700s, the clubhouse to 1924. Its pro shop, known as the Little Red Clock Shop, is even older. It was built in 1790 by a clockmaker named Gabriel Curtis, and, after various moves, was situated at the first tee in 1936. The window golfers face as they tee off was installed in the shop about five years after it was built. That was 200 years ago.
Throughout this time the club has also lent its leadership to golf in Connecticut. Its longtime head professional John J. Murphy, is a member of the Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame. Bill Starkie of Farmington served as CSGA president in 1999 and 2000. The club has long produced top-notch players, including the legendary and many-times club champion W.W. “Bill” Whedon, a member of the CSGA Board of Directors, who famously made two holes-in-one within four holes playing as an amateur in the 1955 Insurance City Open at Wethersfield C.C.
“I can’t think of another Connecticut club that has been more willing to support competitive golf in the state,” said CSGA Executive Director Mike Moraghan. “Whatever is asked of Farmington, the club responds enthusiastically. We are most grateful for their participation over the years, and pleased to recognize them as our Distinguished Club Award for 2018.”
