This year marks Apawamis Club’s 125th Anniversary and club President Simon Canning, the board, members, and staff have been busy celebrating its golf, squash, tennis, and paddle tennis legacies, as well as its deep roots in the Rye community.
By Tom McDermott
This year marks Apawamis Club’s 125th Anniversary and club President Simon Canning, the board, members, and staff have been busy celebrating its golf, squash, tennis, and paddle tennis legacies, as well as its deep roots in the Rye community.
To look at the club today, nestled at the edge of Indian Village, with its picture perfect first-hole designed by Willie Dunn Jr., and the clubhouse with its modern workout facilities and internationally known squash courts and junior program, one could hardly guess its more modest beginnings. That was in 1890, on the other side of town, by Milton Road and, of course, Apawamis Avenue; and later along Peck Avenue, while the current course and clubhouse were being built.
The process of celebrating the anniversary began two years ago, when an Ad Hoc Committee was formed, co-chaired by Nancy Rees and George Hubbard. The club commissioned four golf trophies to be made, replicas of the 1911 U.S. Men’s Amateur – Havermeyer Cup, 1978 Curtiss Cup, 2005 Senior Women’s U.S. Amateur Championship, and the 1970 Girls’ Junior Championship U.S.G.A., all of which were played at Apawamis.
In October, the club and head professional James Ondo combined its women’s, men’s, and mixed championships into one golf weekend with 100 members participating in events. Matt Casey and Happy Daily won the men’s and women’s championships.
Apawamis members and head tennis professional Stjepan Beg celebrated with a 125th Anniversary Tennis Weekend June 26-28, with Friday Kids’ Night, a Pro-Am with 27 teams on Saturday, and a Family Round Robin on Sunday.
Apawamis squash renown has grown significantly under head pro Peter Briggs. Many of the world’s best players have graced theclub’s courts in tournaments, and many college squash standouts began their careers in Apawamis’ junior programs. This year, a special Squash Celebration took place November 6-9, with a tremendous turnout.
An anniversary paddle tennis Mixed Social takes place November 20.
Early in the planning process, the club decided to make its celebration about what they have been doing all these years – competing, having fun, and creating an environment where families can thrive together. Mission accomplished.
The festive year will culminate December 12 when an unprecedented 600 guests attend the club’s Anniversary Ball. Cheers to that.
