North Haven Golf Club History

The North Haven Golf Club was founded in 1916, when a group of Summer residents bought the 140-acre Oren Waterman farm for $15,000, and hired the firm of Wayne Stiles and John van Kleek to design the course.

Wayne Stiles designed 145 courses during the first half of the 20th century, and according to an excellent biography by Labbance and Mendik, North Haven “is quite possibly the most intact of the 72 Stiles courses that still exist.” In 1997, Sports Illustrated magazine rated NHGC one of the top 9-hole courses in the United States.

There is little documented history of NHGC during its early years, although it is likely that many prominent North Haven residents and guests played the course.

In recent years, the “Buz Barn” — named for frequent club champion Buz Lamont — has replaced the old clubhouse that still sits at the top of the hill next to the third green.

Under the care of long-time superintendent (and course record holder) Wes Newman, NHGC remains in excellent condition. Wednesday morning scrambles bring out a large and diverse group of members, and new events like the Fox Islands Par 3 preserve the spirit of friendly competition that has characterized NHGC for over 100 years.