Club History
Mendham Golf and Tennis Club began in 1958 when 15 residents of Mendham purchased approximately 75 acres of land on Kennaday Road and sought members for a family-oriented golf and tennis facility. The property was owned by Mr. Sherwood Gay and when it was placed on the market, there were few interested purchasers. These 15 Mendham residents formed a corporation to buy the land, primarily to preserve the rural nature of the property. The February 8, 1958 Certificate of Incorporation states, ". . . the subscribers hereby associate themselves into a corporation not for pecuniary profit . . . to encourage, develop and promote the enjoyment of golf, tennis and other such recreational pursuits . . ."
In 1959, the Club began construction of three Har–Tru tennis courts and a swimming area in "Gay's Pond." Mr. Alfred Tull, a nationally known golf course architect, was retained to design a nine-hole golf course. Course construction began in 1960 for an agreed-upon contract price of $73,000. Construction continued on schedule and the "Grand Opening" of the first six holes was held on July 1, 1961. The remaining three holes were completed and ready for play in September of that year.
As membership grew from the original 78 family members and golf play increased, it became apparent that an additional nine holes would be required to assure ongoing success. In 1964, the Club purchased approximately 56 acres from a 300 acre tract on both sides of Corey Lane and supplemented this with an additional 31 acres purchased from the Club's neighbors to complete the necessary land requirements. Construction of the new nine holes, also designed and supervised by Alfred Tull, began in 1967 and the holes were ready for play in 1969. Full access to the four new holes east of Corey Lane was limited until the Club received special permission from the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles to allow motorized carts to cross Corey Lane.
During the summer of 1967, the Club's first clubhouse was built. Following a Mendham Golf and Tennis Club tradition of "sweat equity," members volunteered the manpower to erect the building, which took several weeks to complete. The project was successful and the building was used as the Club's principal structure until it was replaced in 1991. The original clubhouse still serves as the tennis Field House. Building the current clubhouse was the largest project ever undertaken by the membership. Taking almost three years to design and construct, the building vastly improved the Club's social functions and golf activities.
The new clubhouse location necessitated a change in course rotation and, shortly thereafter, the golf course underwent renovations by architect Brian Silva. In 2001, the Club contracted to install a state-of-the-art irrigation system to assure the protection and beautification of its primary resource – the property. In 2004, a fourth court was added to the paddle complex and, in the following year, the tennis courts were completely redone with underground irrigation and new Har-Tru surfaces. Racquets programs of tennis and paddle boast robust participation, and our Paddle Hut completed in 2013 only enhanced the sport as a Club social outlet for the winter months.
In 2010, a Clubhouse Renovation Project expanded and improved the dining room, patio, kitchen and storage areas. As a result of this work, the Club today provides a greater social outlet for members and guests. A Master Plan for the golf course was also developed under the guidance of Robert McNeil. Its ongoing implementation has received rave review and heightened the level of response for our course within the New Jersey golf community. The Master Plan included important upgrades to our practice facilities, notably The Links Par 3 course and The Loft winter practice and simulator facility, as well as a newly renovated Greens Department Building. In 2021, the Clubhouse began a two-phase update to include locker rooms, kitchen, Grill Room and basement. 2022 began a three year golf course enhancement plan implementation.
In many ways MGTC has changed dramatically during its 66 years of existence but retains its "family and friends" culture. Most importantly, the Member takes pride in the participative approach to club governance, with almost one half of the members participating in its various committees and activities at any one time.
