Source: VT Golf Magazine | Issue: Summer 1994 | Author: Bob Labbance
Synopsis: This article is about the formation and evolution of the Rutland Country Club.
You never know what you’ll find when you open an old file cabinet drawer. Howard Shortsleeve of the Rutland Country Club was pleasantly surprised during the summer of 1993. While poking around in one of the few original farm sheds left form the cluster that formed the nucleus of the country club’s facilities at the turn of the century, Howard discovered some very important papers.
The Rutland Country Club was founded in 1901 as a nine-hole course, but the Rutland Golf Club preceded the current club by four years. The original three-hole course of the golf club was across town, on the part of the property that St. Joseph College now occupies. Howard discovered the original Articles of Association for both clubs.
The Rutland Golf Club was organized on March 15, 1897, with thirty-four charter members. The club opened on June twelfth of that year, the club’s original certificate as an Associate Member of the USGA is preserved. Many newspaper articles, contracts, postcards, and photos have been restored and framed. Recently, three silver bowls were found in a second-hand store and Howard Shortsleeve has made a handsome place for them as well. Those interested in golf memorabilia would enjoy lunch and a chance to pursue the collection.