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Shady Rest Country Club is a public nine-hole course in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, with an unusually important place in American golf history. The golf course originated in 1900 when Westfield Golf Club converted farmland around the historic clubhouse into a nine-hole layout. In 1921 the property was acquired by the Progressive Realty Company and became Shady Rest, recognized as the first African-American owned golf and country club in the United States.
S. Open, served as the club professional and groundskeeper from 1931 to 1964. The present blue-tee card measures 2,247 yards at par 33 and is rated 31.7/114 for men.
The course is a 9-hole golf course. It plays to par 33, 2,247 yards, course rating 31.7 and slope rating 114. Designed by David Smith Hunter, the course originally opened in 1900. It is open to the public. On-site facilities include Pro Shop, Clubhouse, Pavilion, Miniature Golf.
The property was developed as a nine-hole golf course by Westfield Golf Club in 1900. After Westfield merged with another club to create Echo Lake Country Club, the Progressive Realty Company, a group of prominent Black investors, purchased the property in 1921 and organized Shady Rest Golf and Country Club.
Shady Rest became an important recreational and social institution for African Americans during segregation. John Shippen served as professional and groundskeeper from 1931 until 1964. The Township of Scotch Plains acquired the property in 1964 and subsequently opened it as a public facility.
The club's significance extends beyond golf. Its clubhouse and grounds are associated with Black sporting and cultural history and hosted figures including Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Billie Holiday.
The nine-hole course and historic clubhouse remain in use as a public facility in Scotch Plains.
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| Fee Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Weekday | |
| Weekday Member Senior Before 3pm | $13 |
| Weekday Member Adult Before 3pm | $16 |
| Weekday Non-Member Before 3pm | $29 |
| Weekday Non-Member After 3pm | $23 |
| Weekend | |
| Weekend Non-Member Before 3pm | $33 |
| Weekend Non-Member After 3pm | $27 |
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Contact the course to confirm current rates.
| Front 9 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 33 |
| Yards | 296 | 324 | 164 | 309 | 230 | 210 | 166 | 358 | 188 | 2245 |
| Index | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 6 | - |
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