Shorehaven Golf Club

Overview: Shorehaven Golf Club is a private 18-hole course on the Norwalk coast, with Long Island Sound shaping the character of the property. The club's current scorecard lists the black tees at 6,548 yards and par 71. Robert White designed the original course, and the design is also associated with Willie Park Jr. through the course's broader architectural record. Shorehaven is not defined by length alone. Coastal wind, changes in elevation, quick greens and demanding par threes ask players to work the ball both ways and control trajectory into the putting surfaces. The setting gives the course a links-like openness, while the tree lines and shaped land keep it from becoming a simple out-and-back shoreline walk.

History: Shorehaven was established in 1924 by a group of local founders led by Philip N. Knapp. The club acquired more than 100 acres along Long Island Sound, including land from the former Woodbury G. Langdon estate, and used the estate's carriage house and barn as its first clubhouse. In October 1923 the board selected Robert White to build the course; by October 1924 it was ready for play. Shorehaven soon became a major Fairfield County venue, hosting the Connecticut Open and a 1940 charity match featuring Babe Ruth, Gene Tunney, Gene Sarazen and Jimmy Demaret. Later generations of players have continued to test the course in state and metropolitan championships.

Did You Know? Shorehaven's 1940 charity match brought Babe Ruth, Gene Tunney, Gene Sarazen and Masters champion Jimmy Demaret together on the same property. The club's history also remembers Ralph Greenwood, who served as lead golf professional for 37 years.