After several avid golfers felt uprooted when the Bryn Mawr golf club was to be developed, six of them would later create the 146-acre Interlachen Country Club. The name is of German origin, meaning “between lakes.” The club was incorporated on New Year’s Eve in 1909 and is now platinum-ranked, emerald-distinguished, and fully steeped in history and prestige.
An array of famous golfers and impressive events have called this club home. For example, Interlachen was where Bobby Jones won the U.S. Open in 1930, prefacing his completion of the first ever Grand Slam. Exceptional golfer Willie Kidd served as the head golf professional for 37 years and was succeeded by his son Bill. And of course, Patty Berg had a significant impact on Interlachen Country Club; it was at this club where she began her career as a teenager. Berg would go on to win 60 professional titles, including 15 majors. She was a founder of the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association (the LPGA).
This is not to say the club is elitist, however, as general manager and COO Eric Dietz stresses. “First and foremost, it’s about the people and traditions of the club.” Though membership is obtained by invitation only, members can expect a “vibrant and inviting atmosphere.” The club’s vision and mission statements promise exemplary golf and family experience.
Interlachen continues to make history. This fall, the club will host the Junior Ryder Cup for the first time. Beginning in 1997, this event is held every two years, alternating between the U.S. and Europe. These teen golf prodigies will play the course at Interlachen Country Club on September 26 and 27, and then play an exhibition game, called the Friendship Match, at Hazeltine National Golf Club on September 28.
