The Ocean State

Despite being the smallest state in our nation, Rhode Island's contributions to the history of golf in the United States is among the most special and important.

It all begins with Newport Country Club. Alongside four other clubs, including The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, Newport Country Club is one of the founding members of the now USGA, and holds the distinction of hosting the first ever United States Open and Amateur Championships, both staged in 1895. The 1995 US Amateur, it's 100th playing, was also hosted there, won by none other than Tiger Woods, and has since also hosted a US Women's Open and a US Senior Open.

Rhode Island has since become home to a tremendous and celebrated golfing landscape. The Wannamoisett Country Club, a par 69 gem designed by Donald Ross, is the sole host of the Northeast Amateur tournament and provides a strong test for its field year after year. Some of the game's most well known modern players, including World #1's, have participated in the event and won, including Ben Crenshaw, David Duvall, Luke Donald, and Dustin Johnson. In addition, courses including Meadow Brook and Newport National Golf Club provide exceptional, public venues for players of all skill levels to test their games.

The New England Player is proud to provide its readers with a look at the golfing world in The Ocean State.

Image credit: iStock.com/Luisrftc