Our History

The History of the Maryland Golf & Country Clubs

The property where Maryland Golf and Country Clubs now call home was originally owned by Baseball Hall of Famer, Lieutenant Colonel Leland "Larry" Stanford MacPhail, Sr., former head of the Cincinnati Reds, Brooklyn Dodgers, and the New York Yankees. MacPhail was a man of many achievements throughout his lifetime and was known for being a shrewd businessman. Not only was he the head of these renowned baseball clubs but he also pioneered night baseball in Cincinnati and installed lights at Ebbets Field and Yankee Stadium. His professional achievements also included beginning plane travel for baseball personnel and setting up pension plans for employees and players. In his retirement, he was the President of the National Association of Thoroughbred Breeders, while he raised horses at his farm, Glenangus, in Bel Air - the current home of the Maryland Golf and Country Clubs.

The rolling hills and beautiful countryside of MacPhail Road in Bel Air, Maryland was a dream come true for Lt. Col. MacPhail. The beginning of a challenging 18 hole golf course was taking shape. Glenangus Farms lent itself well to establishing a golf course over its many hills and streams. Colonel MacPhail worked very hard to form a private course of championship caliber.

The first nine holes were far ahead of other new courses. It needed little re-grading to set up fairways since the base was the original bluegrass turf of the former land. However, the second nine needed more work and it was several months before play could begin.

The first Pro Shop was the former tenant house of the MacPhail property located near the present fourth tee. When the Course was completed Colonel MacPhail sold the layout to a group of representative citizens of Harford County, retaining only a membership for himself. The club, first known as the Maryland Country Club and later The Maryland Golf and Country Clubs, Inc. remains a private club owned by its stockholder members.

When the Board of Directors of Maryland Country Club, purchased the 18 hole golf course, the Pro Shop was moved to the basement of the swimming pool bathhouse. The architectural firm of Fisher, Nes, Campbell, and Associates had been hired to draw plans for a clubhouse and swimming pool. The new clubhouse facilities, containing 11,000 sq. ft. at a cost of $150,000, included a kitchen, grill room, main dining and ballroom, private dining room, and club offices.

A membership drive was opened to reach the goal of 500 members set by the Board of Directors. Of this total, 300 would be golfing memberships.

Construction started in 1961 on the club's two pools, modern filtration plant, and bath-locker room building. Mr. Al Cesky, a Physical Education teacher at Bel-air High School, was hired as the first swimming professional and pool manager. Over the years many talented young people have participated in Maryland Country Club Swim Teams. Early on, Mr. Edmund F. Morse, Groundskeeper at Maryland and an ardent skiing fan, prepared the 18 th fairway for a downhill run for winter skiing. A tractor and wagon were converted to make an improvised lift up the hills and a large pond at the club cleared for skiing. All year long Mr. Morse and his staff kept busy maintaining the golf course for play. Because of his expert knowledge and that of the superintendents to follow, our course is known today as one of the best in the area.

On May 10, 1961, after having received a letter of concern from the Colonel, it was decided to change the name of Maryland Country Club, Inc. to Maryland Golf & Country Clubs. As stated in his letter, this name change would represent "a more refined name" reflecting their goal of having a "prestigious club" with a "prestigious reputation." The original name seemed too "ordinary" to represent such a club of this stature and caliber.

The original intent of the Club's organizers was to have a variety of "clubs" - hence the name Maryland Golf & Country Clubs. The early planners had intended to have a Cabana Club and a Tennis and Riding Club for members to have a variety of year-round recreation options. The members who were interested in membership in more than one "club" would be required to join the Maryland Country Club before joining additional subsidiary clubs. The plans for these additional clubs did not come to fruition, but the name Maryland Golf & Country Clubs remained the same.

In 1962 a new modern club house was beginning to take shape and a Golf Pro was hired, Paul Haviland, former assistant Pro at Pine Ridge Golf Course. Mr. John Ellwood, Assistant Pro, had the honor of bagging the first "hole in one" ever recorded at the new club. Mr. Herschel Bailey of Bel-Air won the first club Championship of the club.

Six Har-Tru tennis courts were constructed around 1964-65. This sport became a very popular activity and the courts were heavily used, requiring lights to be added over the years. As the club grew, additional tennis courts were built between the swimming pools and golf driving range.

In the fall of 1997 the $3.8 million expansion of the member clubhouse began. Over 19,000 square feet of space was added to the now 40,000 square foot clubhouse. Construction was finished in the spring of 1999. The clubhouse has undergone further redecorating in recent years, providing very bright and elegant rooms for both members and nonmembers to hold events throughout the year.

Renovations began in the fall of 2006 to the pool area for the current aquatics center. Our "U" shaped pool has a huge diving area and an adjacent slide section that appeals especially to young people. There is also a wading pool and a canopied picnic area where small children can splash in safety, and dry off in the shade. The pool also offers a zero beach entry which will allow a safe transition for those children learning to swim and a mushroom waterfall for children to splash and just have fun. The new aquatics center opened on Memorial Day 2007.

The future of Maryland Golf & Country Clubs is brighter than ever. Our golfing, swimming, tennis, and social memberships continue to grow. We are pleased to be the host for many social gatherings including weddings, religious celebrations, conferences, business meetings, and more for both members and non-members. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to many more years of providing social and recreation privileges for our members and guests.