Hershey Country Club’s Golf Legacy
Discover Our Rich History with The Professional Golf Association
When Milton S. Hershey first brought golf to Hershey, Pa., in 1909, he saw the game as a way to enrich the lives of his community. In 1930, that vision expanded with the founding of Hershey Country Club (HCC). The golf course began as a single 9-hole course, nestled between the chocolate factory and High Point Mansion, and has since grown to national recognition as a golf destination with deep ties to the Professional Golf Association (PGA). Keep reading to learn more about HCC’s history with the PGA!
All photos are provided by the Hershey Community Archives.
The Hershey Open Tournament is Established
After three successful years of golf at HCC, the PGA encouraged the Club to host a golf tournament, and in 1933, the Hershey Open Tournament was introduced. This golf event attracted several of the golf industry's best players, and winners included Ed Dudley (1933), Ted Luther (1935) and Henry Picard (1936 and 1937). The ninth and last tournament was held in 1941. In 1933, The Hershey Company sponsored the Hershey Open, signaling the start of corporate partnerships in professional golf.
Henry Picard Is Named Head Golf Professional
In 1934, Henry Picard was hired as HCC’s Head Golf Professional, where he oversaw all of Hershey's courses. Those included Hershey Country Club, Hershey Park Golf Club, The Hotel Hershey Course, and the Juvenile Country Club, now known as Spring Creek Golf Course. Picard won 22 of his 26 wins on the PGA Tour during his time at HCC.
HCC Hosts A PGA Championship
HCC was honored to host the 23rd PGA Championship on September 2, 1940. Byron Nelson beat Sam Snead 1-0 on what is now Hole 12 on the West Course, to win his first championship and Wanamaker Trophy. This began his eleven straight PGA Tour victories of his career. A replica of the Wanamaker Trophy is on display in our Golf Shop.
Ben Hogan’s First PGA Tour Win At HCC
Ben Hogan’s first PGA Tour win came at the 1938 Hershey Open, held at HCC. Following in Henry Picard’s footsteps, he served as HCC Head Golf Professional until 1951. Of his 63 tournament wins, 52 of those occurred during his tenure at the Club.
Over 15 Years With The Lady Keystone Open
The Lady Keystone Open was a tournament under the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). The tournament was held at two other central Pennsylvania courses before settling at HCC from 1978 to 1994. Notable winners over the years included Susie Berning, Nancy Lopez and Juli Inkster.
Jay Weitzel Inducted in the 32nd Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame
Jay Weitzel is credited with introducing new golf initiatives such as golf tournaments, junior golf clinics, golf carts and the most popular, the shotgun start, to Hershey, Pa. He was a key part of the planning to move the clubhouse from High Point Mansion to East Derry Road in 1970. During his time at HCC, he assisted with hosting 12 Pennsylvania Opens and 17 LPGA Lady Keystone Opens. He qualified for two US Opens and a PGA Championship. These major impacts to golf contributed to his induction into the 32nd Philadephia PGA Hall of Fame in 2011.
Three PGA Members On The HCC Team
The Club is fortunate to have three golf professionals with PGA membership titles. To become a member, golf professionals must complete an extensive educational program, qualify for a specific handicap and pass a playing ability test. Achieving this status provides career opportunities and benefits for professionals in the golf industry. Our Director of Golf, Sara Muldoon, received her membership in 2001. Golf Professional Steve Bostdorf received his title in 2017, and recently, our team celebrated our Head Golf Professional Chad Yogan on earning his membership.
