Interesting Facts to Know About the Revered Baltusrol Golf Club, One of America’s Most Iconic Golf Courses

There are only a handful of golf clubs out there that can rival the rich history of the iconic Baltusrol Golf Club. From US Opens to PGA Championships to US Amateurs, the Baltusrol has served as the venue for many iconic golfing tournaments in the past.

As the club in Springfield, New Jersey, hosts the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this year, let’s take a deep dive to learn more about the top facts of the Baltusrol course!

The name of the golf club has a tragic origin

A venue that has seen the finest in the game of golf compete for major trophies, the Baltusrol Golf Club was named after a slain Scottish immigrant and farmer, Baltus Roll, who owned and worked on the land upon which the club stands today.

In 1831, the farmer was murdered at the age of 61, allegedly by two thieves who presumed that Roll had hidden significant treasure in his farmhouse. At the site, there is still a sign that marks the spot wherein the poor farmer sadly lost his life.

The venue played host to a unique event over a century ago

The Baltusrol Golf Club sets itself apart from other famous venues owing to a distinctive tournament that was held here over a century ago. In August 1917, and September 1918, the PGA War Relief tournaments took place here. These boasted amateurs and professionals from America,  England, and Scotland.

As the First World War raged on, the tournament helped raise a great amount of money for the American Red Cross. Many American golfing greats, including Bobby Jones and 11-time major winner Walter Hagen, participated in the event.

Baltusrol became the first club ever to host a president

In the USA, many presidents have been historically obsessed with the game. From Woodrow Wilson to Dwight Eisenhower to Barrack Obama, many of them would often take time out of their hectic schedules to play a round or two of golf.

Per records, Baltusrol became the first-ever club to host an American president. In 1912, William Howard Taft, the 27th president of the USA, visited the golf club after it was newly renovated. Taft even snuck in a few holes during his visit!

Baltusrol bore witness to golf making TV history

The 1954 US Open, which was the first tournament to be shown on national TV, was held at Baltusrol. Back then, such tournaments were a 3-day affair, being held from Thursday through Saturday. The coveted event was broadcast on NBC and was covered by Lindsey Nelson.

The club features a plaque in honor of Jack Nicklaus

The golden bear won two of his record 18 major championships, the 1967 and 1980 US Opens, at the Baltusrol Golf Club. During the 1967 event, he hit one of his career-best shots, a 237-yard one-iron approach, against none other than Arnold Palmer.

It further helped him break Ben Hogan’s scoring record of 275. Now, golf fans will find a plaque at the exact site from where Nicklaus achieved his feat.

A golfer once used muliple caddies during one tournament at Baltusrol

A caddie is of paramount importance to a golfer. At times, fans get to witness the duo celebrate tournament wins. Meanwhile, sometimes, the golf world becomes privy to poor dynamics between a player and his bagman. From Tiger Woods-Steve Williams to Phil Mickelson-Jim MacKay, the game has treated us to many iconic golfer-caddie pairs over the years.

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The 1967 US Open at Baltusrol, however, is famous for golfer River McBee switching through multiple caddies in the span of just two rounds! McBee used not one, not two, but six different caddies in that event! His first bagman retired after just eight holes due to the heat at the venue. Next, a man from the gallery stepped in for two holes. Then, McBee finished the round with an individual from the US Open pool of bagmen. He then switched through two more until a reporter from Washington volunteered to take up the role. Eventually, he finished the tournament with the sixth and final caddie.

Despite the chaos, McBee was able to make the cut at the event, He even pocketed an incredible $615 for his T60 finish!

Baltusrol is of great significance in both men’s and women’s golf

Over the decades, several male and female golfers have scripted iconic wins at the Baltusrol Golf Club. In 1985, it became the first course ever to host both the men’s and women’s US Open on two distinct courses. The revered club has served as the turf for nine men’s majors. It also hosted two women’s majors before the 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. It has also hosted four US Amateurs in the past!

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It goes without saying that the Baltusrol Golf Club is a landmark course in every sense. Considered a National Historic Landmark, the course has been the turf for many crucial moments in golf over the decades!