In the fall of 2002, several successful businessmen with a common love for the game of golf began sharing ideas for developing a golf club, which eventually led to the purchase of prime acreage in Stratham, N.H., less than an hour’s drive from Boston.

Situated on 450 acres of farmland, the club’s founders brought in Arnold Palmer’s architectural firm to design The Golf Club of New England, which opened for play in 2003

“We were able to work with the native topography and some exciting natural elements to create a pure golf experience," said Erik Larsen, one of the architects who worked on the Golf Club of New England’s design. “The Golf Club of New England is simply about golf. Our design offers multiple playing strategies, providing players a unique golf experience at every hole.”

According to the club’s website, each hole on the course “uniquely takes advantage of the natural setting and environment to add breathtaking charm and splendor throughout the entire course. Significant attention to detail goes into every aspect of the maintenance and operation to ensure it remains in absolutely excellent condition.

“The rural setting of The Golf Club of New England is simply spectacular.”

The course features large wooded areas, old stone walls, fields lined with giant oak trees and tranquil flowing streams all capturing the natural beauty of the surroundings.

This will be the first national championship for The Golf Club of New England and the first-ever USGA event held in New Hampshire. The club has previously hosted sectional qualifying for the U.S. Amateur (2004), USGA Senior Women’s Amateur (2004), the 2005 U.S. Mid-Amateur, and the 2006 and 2009 USGA Senior Amateur.

NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, who starred for the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche, and current Boston Bruins analyst Gord Kluzak are also members of The Golf Club of New England.

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