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1897
Originally founded as Oakland Golf Club located by Lake Merritt in the Adams Point area of Oakland, California.
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1903
On January 27 1903, twenty members signed the Articles of Incorporation for Claremont Country Club and went in search of land. The leading prospect was a 125 acre parcel in Oakland’s Claremont District, thus the name of the Club. When that option fell through, they purchased 107 acres in Rock Ridge Township. This land included the large H.P. Livermore residence, which was located on the site of Claremont’s present-day clubhouse.
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1904
The golf course opened in December 1904 and for the first four years, consisted of nine-holes which meandered along and across the creek. The design of the original 9-hole layout was done by the Club's pro, George Smith and his brother Alex Smith. In 1909, nine more holes were added to complete the eighteen hole design. Official credit for the design of the original 18-hole course goes to John “Pop” Smith, patriarch of the famous golfing family from Carnoustie, Scotland.
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1909
The design of the original 9-hole layout was done by the club's pro, George Smith and his brother Alex Smith. In 1909, nine more holes were added to complete the eighteen hole design.
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1921
Willie Watson and Robert Hunter expanded the course to add needed length to the course. Built the existing 12th hole by cutting down many trees. Then turned around the 13th hole by building the existing 13th tee box.
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1926
In 1926, the golf course was redesigned by noted designer Alister MacKenzie, a Scot raised in England who later designed Cypress Point Club and Augusta National Golf Club. Robert Hunter became a Claremont member while he was on the faculty of UC Berkeley. When MacKenzie came to California in 1926, it was to visit his good friend and future business partner, Robert Hunter. MacKenzie thereafter planned Claremont’s course redesign, which was completed in 1927-29.
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1927
Early in the morning of January 24, 1927, tragedy struck the thriving Claremont Country Club, when a four-alarm fire completely destroyed the clubhouse. By dawn all that remained were three tall chimneys above the smoking ruins.
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1929
Out of the ashes – two years later – a beautiful new clubhouse was formally opened on Saturday, February 9, 1929.
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1932
Claremont purchases the quarry located between the 10th fairway and Pleasant Valley Road on November 14, 1932. Thanks to the foresight of Charles A. Beardsley, Claremont has had an abundant low-cost source of water for 90+ years.
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1937
Sam Snead wins Oakland Open held at Claremont Country Club.
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1960's
Hundreds of trees planted on the course, which later caused many drainage problems and blocked sunlight.
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1991
The Oakland Hills Firestorm came dangerously close to Claremont. The fire devasted the Hiller Highlands neighborhood located just above the Club. In the days that followed, Claremont became a refuge for many members who’s homes were burned in the Oakland firestorm.
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2001
Restoration of the golf course to the original 1929 MacKenzie design starts with greens 4, 7, 11 and 12. Most of the work to restore the golf course is completed in 2004-2007. Bunkers are positioned in the exact location based on a 1930 aerial photo.
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2003
Claremont celebrates its Centennial with hickory club tournaments, pro/am and wooden racquet tennis tournaments, history night with speakers, entertainment and the opening of the 75th Jubilee Time Capsule. The Centennial Family Faire for members and their families took place on the golf course and was the event of the year. Members received “Keep the Ball a Rolling” – Claremont’s second history book and a video documentary – “Claremont Country Club – The first 100 Years.”
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2007
A new Aquatic Facility, Fitness Facility, and Ladies Locker Room opened.
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2016
Construction begins on new Pro Shop and replacing of structure that was the "Caddie House" in 1910. Expanded the kitchen and remodeled the Clubhouse. The new Pro Shop opened in November 2017.
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2022
Claremont's 125th Birthday! A year of celebrations took place to commemorate this historical event. A Kick-off Cocktail Party, Labor Day Family Carnival extravaganza, the grand 1897 Gala and the inaugural Holiday Silver Ball Classic Mixed Golf Tournament took place to celebrate 125 years.
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