The 12th green at the beautiful Wannamoisett Country Club is hosting the Northeast Amateur this week in Rumford, Rhode Island. Rhode Island may be a small state, but it’s making a big impact in competitive golf this month. The Northeast Amateur is a prestigious 72-hole stroke-play tournament taking place this week on the Donald Ross-designed Wannamoisett Country Club, located just east of Providence.
This event has a rich history, with past winners including future PGA Tour stars Ben Crenshaw, Hal Sutton, David Duval, Dustin Johnson, and Luke Donald. Amateur icons like Vinny Giles and Jay Sigel have also claimed victory here. Additionally, the U.S. Senior Open is set to be held from June 27-30 at the historic Newport Country Club, one of the founding clubs of the United States Golf Association.
Wannamoisett is a picturesque course that sits on a 100-acre parcel of land dotted with beautiful hardwood trees. The course, which first opened in 1914 and hosted the 1931 PGA Championship, is known for its challenging yet fair layout. With only one par-5 and four par-3s, accuracy off the tee and precise approach shots are crucial. The course is also famous for its subtle putting surfaces and thick rough that can make scoring difficult.
The club recently enlisted architect Andrew Green to renovate the course, staying true to Ross’ original design. The greens were restored to their original size and shape, and bunkering was updated to challenge even the longest hitters. The removal of trees has improved the course’s air flow and conditioning while maintaining its classic feel.
Newport Country Club has a storied history that dates back to 1890. The club was founded by a group of men led by Theodore Havemeyer and quickly became a prominent golf destination in America. The course has undergone several renovations over the years, resulting in a classic links-style layout with challenging bunkers and natural fescue fairways.
Both Wannamoisett and Newport Country Club are iconic venues with rich histories, making them perfect hosts for these prestigious golf events.
