Western Golf & Country Club history

Western has been the site of many notable matches and tournaments throughout its history beginning with its inaugural match on April 28, 1927.

In 1928, United States Open Champion Johnny Farrell lost a match to British Open Champion Walter Hagen.

He founded the Evans Scholars Program in 1929 that has enabled hundreds of deserving caddies to attend college on scholarships.

In the 1930’s, a toboggan slide was built where today's swimming pool is located.

Evanston Golf Club pulled off just such a coup when it hired two-time major champion Johnny Revolta in 1935.

In May of 1945, the B.E. Taylor Company agreed to sell the Club to its members.

Until October of 1950, the Club had been re-incorporated under the name of the Western Lands Company and, after securing a new mortgage for $35,000, it then became, as it is known today, the Western Golf & Country Club.

The Club also decided to put the golf course to the test for the State's top golfers for the second time by submitting a bid for the 1951 Michigan Open.

On June 19, 1952 a new swimming pool and pool house opened.

By 1954, its roster showed 300 active members whose participation in the activities began to shape the culture that represents Western Golf & Country Club today.

The Motor City Open was held at Western in 1956 and was won by Bob Rosburg in a playoff with Ed Furgol.

The Western Open was held in 1960 and, once again, a playoff was needed to determine its eventual winner.

Exmoor! Fast forward to 2013 – 117 years later – when Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering presented Exmoor President Dwight Ekenberg with a special award, honoring Exmoor as the oldest continuously operating organization in Highland Park.

Prepared upon Exmoor’s 120th anniversary, June 26, 2017.