On May 1, 1926, a group of local businessmen and golf enthusiasts purchased a farm consisting of 74 acres from George and Nora Newton, and also acquired an additional parcel of 5 acres from the adjoining Gitzinger Farm. The boundaries of this land were situated to the North on Lakeville Rd., to the South woods bordering Reservoir Rd., and a mile east of the village of Geneseo, New York. This land was very suitable for golf course development as it consisted of large open farmland with several mature trees dispersed within the property, and a right of way for a water line from the main property to Reservoir Rd.
In the Spring of 1928, a 9-hole golf course known as the Country Club of Geneseo was opened for play with an existing farmhouse on the property serving as its clubhouse. Although golf was very fashionable throughout the United States during this time period, the Great Depression was deep-rooted and golf was generally affordable by only the affluent. As a result of these predicaments, in early 1934, the local bank foreclosed on the Club.
In May of 1934, the Club was purchased at a foreclosure sale by Austin Erwin for a paltry sum of $3,000. Mr. Erwin, in turn, sold the Club to a newly-formed membership corporation known as Livingston Country Club, Inc. (LCC) for the same amount. In 1936, bond holders turned ownership over to about 60 members who then paid a membership fee and assessment for interest bearing bonds. From 1934, the year of incorporation, through 1975, the Club operated in this manner and grew its membership to about 160 members. In 1976, the Club eliminated its membership assessment.
Golf flourished during the 60’s and 70’s, as people had more leisure time, golf fees and golf equipment became more affordable, and caddies gave way to pull carts and motorized riding carts. More golf courses opened in the area to accommodate the growth of this now booming sport, and clubs became competitive in pursuit of new members and greens fee players. In 1961, LCC opened a new addition to its clubhouse and openly invited the public to its venue of golf and social events.
In 1980, Livingston Country Club made a momentous decision to expand its golf course from 9 to 18 holes. In 1984, after years of planning and negotiating, LCC purchased 52.5 acres of land from the Welch Estate; this land expanded the course to the West toward the village of Geneseo, and to the South incorporating the entire woods bordering Reservoir Rd. During the interim, a new pro shop was built and opened for operations in 1983.
From 1984 through 1986, several course designs were prepared and evaluated before bids were awarded and ground-breaking took place. In July 1989, the new 9 holes were opened for play to the membership and public. The new and the old holes were interspersed in making the course layout enjoyed today. Throughout the 90’s and every year thereafter, the golf course and golfing facilities have improved and expanded. In 2004, the clubhouse underwent major interior renovations.
In 2008, Livingston Country Club re-established ownership of the Club by offering for sale member / ownership units to its on-record membership. About one-half of the current 225 members are now unit holders of the Club with all members possessing the same golf playing, pro shop and clubhouse privileges.
Course History
A Brief History; According to Doc Chiara
On May 1, 1926, a group of local businessmen and golf enthusiasts purchased a farm consisting of 74 acres from George and Nora Newton, and also acquired an additional parcel of 5 acres from the adjoining Gitzinger Farm. The boundaries of this land were situated to the North on Lakeville Rd., to the South woods bordering Reservoir Rd., and a mile east of the village of Geneseo, New York. This land was very suitable for golf course development as it consisted of large open farmland with several mature trees dispersed within the property, and a right of way for a water line from the main property to Reservoir Rd.
In the Spring of 1928, a 9-hole golf course known as the Country Club of Geneseo was opened for play with an existing farmhouse on the property serving as its clubhouse. Although golf was very fashionable throughout the United States during this time period, the Great Depression was deep-rooted and golf was generally affordable by only the affluent. As a result of these predicaments, in early 1934, the local bank foreclosed on the Club.
In May of 1934, the Club was purchased at a foreclosure sale by Austin Erwin for a paltry sum of $3,000. Mr. Erwin, in turn, sold the Club to a newly-formed membership corporation known as Livingston Country Club, Inc. (LCC) for the same amount. In 1936, bond holders turned ownership over to about 60 members who then paid a membership fee and assessment for interest bearing bonds. From 1934, the year of incorporation, through 1975, the Club operated in this manner and grew its membership to about 160 members. In 1976, the Club eliminated its membership assessment.
Golf flourished during the 60’s and 70’s, as people had more leisure time, golf fees and golf equipment became more affordable, and caddies gave way to pull carts and motorized riding carts. More golf courses opened in the area to accommodate the growth of this now booming sport, and clubs became competitive in pursuit of new members and greens fee players. In 1961, LCC opened a new addition to its clubhouse and openly invited the public to its venue of golf and social events.
In 1980, Livingston Country Club made a momentous decision to expand its golf course from 9 to 18 holes. In 1984, after years of planning and negotiating, LCC purchased 52.5 acres of land from the Welch Estate; this land expanded the course to the West toward the village of Geneseo, and to the South incorporating the entire woods bordering Reservoir Rd. During the interim, a new pro shop was built and opened for operations in 1983.
From 1984 through 1986, several course designs were prepared and evaluated before bids were awarded and ground-breaking took place. In July 1989, the new 9 holes were opened for play to the membership and public. The new and the old holes were interspersed in making the course layout enjoyed today. Throughout the 90’s and every year thereafter, the golf course and golfing facilities have improved and expanded. In 2004, the clubhouse underwent major interior renovations.
In 2008, Livingston Country Club re-established ownership of the Club by offering for sale member / ownership units to its on-record membership. About one-half of the current 225 members are now unit holders of the Club with all members possessing the same golf playing, pro shop and clubhouse privileges.