BRIEF HISTORY OF STONYCROFT

You might say that Indian Chief Pontiac started it! It was a great 40 acres that later became farmland and in 1920 became a private golf course. The name Stonycroft was inspired by all the field stones that were found on the property. In 1930 it became a semi-public golf course and by 1960 there were 260 members. Then, led by Ross Howard, an interim lease was arranged to make it a private club. By late 1963, the corporation had been formed by approximately 180 charter members, all dedicated to cooperative efforts to restore the course and log cabin and purchase operating equipment at minimum cost.

The initial fee was $400 per charter family with a formal purchase agreement signed on January 4th, 1964. A greens superintendent, a pro, a kitchen caterer, lockers and watering system were procured. New Memberships increased to $500 and GAM cards were offered at $1.50 each. The Spring Warm-up, Munch & Punch, Harvest Tournament, Annual Meeting and Presidents Ball became routine events.

1966-1974

Then, as now, golf competition reigned and there was heavy family play. Gerry Prieskorn was the pro (1966-70). Harold Fiebelkorn took over as Greens superintendent, where he not only ruled over the course, but welded and fixed our old equipment. Individually, Maury Simpson, Bill Hengel, and collectively many other members attended to clubhouse painting, interior carpentry, plumbing, rebuilding of greens (1971) and an addition for club storage. In 1972 members built a glass enclosed front end to the clubhouse. A new greens mower and a new tractor were purchased. Over 50 trees lost to disease needed to be replaced through the years.

In 1969 Harold installed an interim watering system and enlarged several greens. Mike Dennis became Pro in 1971 and stayed till 1979. The green chain-link fence between #2 and #5 tees was installed. Dues were increased from $35 to $40 per month. Tom Carter took over as "Mr. Stony" and Brad Edwards was the poet laureate in addition to his many other club efforts. Many people still will remember the safari's to Hilton Head and Perdido beach.

1975-1981

The ladies were also active in beautifying the grounds and started the annual gardening group. Expansion of the pro-shop, club storage, and ladies locker room were completed. Members also repainted the clubhouse. Friday night fish fries and Sunday brunches were well received by the members. 10,000 rounds of golf were played in 1976. Retirees Wednesday morning golf was very popular. Mike Pomante became the new pro (1979-1985), The burning of the mortgage on June 18, 1977 was a big event. A major addition to the men's locker room was managed by Jerry Burns and several major purchases were made. The Anders Memorial shelter was built in 1979, #3 and #4 greens were rebuilt and #3 and # 9 tees revised. Budget in 1979 was $108,000. Tom Perkins became the new "Mr. Stony" in (1978-79) and Helen Powers in (1980-86). First section of the new maintenance building was completed.

1985-1996

Great clean-up, beautification inside and outside in 1985. Bob Kelley worked many fall seasons cleaning out the brush. Steve Partenio was hired as the new pro (1986-1989). New mowers, repainting of the club house, completion of the auto sprinkling systems and new fuel tanks were some of the improvements. Paving the parking lot was approved with an assessment of $75.00 to all members. In 1989 the second new maintenance building was completed and also #2 green and #3 tee.

In 1990 the old clubhouse was torn down and construction started on the new building. Total cost $550,000, financed by (1) a bond issue, (2) a membership increase to 240, (3) the membership fee raised to $7,500 and (4) an assessment of $800 per member. Monthly dues were also raised to $90. Many sub-committees were necessary to handle the various facilities design. Jake Pilat, pro (1990-95) reported that 15,800 rounds were played in one year. In 1991 members celebrated the dedication of the beautiful new clubhouse. The construction insight of members Dave Kellett and Jack Saylor, their attention to detail, plus the cooperative effort of many members helped in the completion of the clubhouse. Several generous gifts were given to the new clubhouse.

The initiation fee was raised to $9,000 and the monthly dues to $100. In 1993 LaPetite took over the catering and members were billed $180 per year for food vouchers. The chain link fence on the east and west borders was built, a new awning over the second story deck and a stone entrance were added. Kirby and Mary Callam became our new "Mr. Stony" writers.

In 1995 our new President, Dave Brogren died suddenly and Bob Blank took over.

Acoustic tile was applied to the ceiling in the dining room, a new wall was built to cover the kitchen and many new decorating items were added to the clubhouse. Many improvements were still being made to the course and after a year of playing a temporary #8 green the new one was finally ready for play in 1996. Initiation fee was raised to $10,000. In 1996 Chip Seltzer became our new pro. Many other members through the years have made significant contributions of time and energy to make Stonycroft a wonderful place to belong and play golf.

  Membership Information

   Contact Stonycroft Hills Club

• Membership Application Form and Instructions (PDF file)
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 Satellite View 

Hole 1 -- Stonycroft’s only Men's par five hole opens with a tee shot over the pond. The second shot often contends with a fairway sloping right toward "jail" (hitting from the rough under a tree.

   Length    Blue 467      White 462       Gold 462       Red 438   Par 5

 Photo by Mindy Saunders  

Hole 2 -- Trees line both sides of the hilly fairway. The second shot must be mindful of a traversing creek.

     Length    Blue 402      White 383      Gold 351       Red 334   Par 4

  Photo by Mindy Saunders  

Hole 3 -- Elevated tees and out-of-bounds trees along the right of this par-3 hole demand a straight tee shot.

     Length    Blue 192      White 164      Gold 136      Red 118   Par 3

  Photo by Mindy Saunders  

Hole 4 -- Gentle dogleg right from the top of the steep tree-lined hill at mid-fairway.

  Photo by Mindy Saunders  

Hole 5 -- From the top of the hill, looking down on the mighty oak that marks the apex of the dog leg toward the right. 

  Photo by Mindy Saunders