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Basking
Ridge Country Club opened as Pennbrook Golf Club on July
2, 1926. The golf course was designed by Alexander
Findlay on the grounds of William Bancker's Willmary
Farm, a property which was originally U.S. Senator John
Spooner's estate.
According
to Mr. Bancker, who owned the club when it first opened,
"the links are intended to be used as a community
course and open to those of modest means," as he
was quoted in the July 23, 1925 edition of the BERNARDSVILLE
NEWS. At that time, club membership was limited, but
anyone could play "upon paying a reasonable
charge." When Bancker died in 1940, the club
ownership passed on to his two sons. Two years later
when World War II brought on gas
rationing, Pennbrook was closed and turned into a cow
pasture-cornfield.
Pennbrook
was reopened in May, 1953 by Edward V. Murray. It
remained open to the public until November 1977, when
Murray's nephew sold the club to a group of businessmen.
The new owner, Robert McCabe, oversaw the construction of
a new club house. Despite efforts to revitalize
Pennbrook, it unfortunately went bankrupt in 1982.
In
1986, the Mahan family purchased the club at public
auction. They then changed its name to Basking
Ridge Country Club, and spent millions to
upgrade the facility and golf course with additional
bunkers, trees and drainage improvements and began
offering annual memberships.
Today,
the course has developed into a challenging, beautifully
landscaped haven, while the country club offers
customized memberships designed to meet each
individual's needs. Over the past few years, more money
has been invested and the course has gained 700 yards,
36 new sand traps and many more trees and plantings.
The Golf Academy
at Basking Ridge, a practice facility open to the public
and club members, offers clinics, junior clinics and private lessons from
our PGA professional staff.
While members enjoy private country club membership, the neighboring community is able to take pleasure in The Bamboo Grille, the clubs' public dining facility, which offers a tantalizing variety of Island-themed menu options, outdoor dinning, and live entertainment.
Fair
Winds Fine Catering at the Basking
Ridge Country Club is open to the public and available
for weddings, corporate meetings, and private parties.
With
progressive memberships, a superb restaurant and newly
renovated clubhouse that overlooks the
club's pristine fairways and the rolling Somerset Hills,
Basking Ridge Country Club is truly a dynamic
environment for all to enjoy.
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