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History
The original golf holes in Westport,
New York, was a 6-hole course called the "Westport Golf Links" - in
conjunction with the then famous, now defunct Westport Inn.
Shortly after the turn of the century,
the course was expanded to 9 holes under the supervision of
greens-keeper Thomas Lee. At the time, it was noted, the fairways were
kept closely cropped by Lee's green's crew - his flock of sheep.
In 1928, Scottish Architect, Thomas
Winton was hired to turn Westport into an 18-hole course. Winton came
from Montrose Scotland, where his father was a famous club-maker. He
learned golf architecture from noted Scotsman Willie Park. Upon coming
to the U.S., Winton was hired by the Westchester County Parks to upgrade
courses in that area. Winton contributed to major renovations at famous
courses, such as, Siwanoy, Apawamis, Sleepy Hollow in New York,
and the Congressional Blue Course in Washington D.C. Unfortunately,
Thomas Winton's years in the U.S. coincided largely with the Great
Depression - when very little golf course work was contracted. Winton
died shortly after finishing Westport's current 18 holes. Some say it
may have been his finest completed work.
During the 50's, Westport became the
summer home of famed Scottish Pro Henry Picard, who lived on what is now
18 Harbour View Drive. The fairways of Westport were also frequented by
the likes of Babe Ruth, Stan Musiel, and Harry Carey.
With the demolition of the Westport Inn
in the late 50's, the golf course became it's own enterprise, operated
briefly by the Town of Westport, then several private enterprises
including businessman/philanthropist - Arthur Pepin. Mr. Pepin was a
grand gentleman who courted numerous celebrities through Westport.
In 2001, Westport Country Club was
purchased from the Pepin Estate by a PGA group - the Westport Golf
Investors LLC. This current operating group cordially invites you to the
relaxing, scenic golf experience we offer in historic Westport, New
York.
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