Our History

Established in 1924, Shorehaven represents the vision of a dedicated group of local citizens who sought to bring superior golf to the Norwalk area - among them, Philip N. Knapp, the club’s first president.

To begin, the club’s founders acquired over 100 acres along Long Island Sound, the bulk of which belonged to Woodbury C. Langdon.  Mr. Langdon, a wealthy resident of New York City who had acquired the land in the 1880s, had fallen in love with the beauty of the Norwalk shoreline and built a summer home, carriage house and barn. The carriage house and barn became Shorehaven’s first clubhouse.

The original plans for the course were submitted to a number of golf course architects. In October 1923, the board of directors voted to select Robert White of Mount Vernon, N.Y. to build the course. By October of the following year, the course was ready for play, built at the cost of $43,000.

Shorehaven quickly became a preeminent club in Fairfield County, hosting such events as the Connecticut Open and a 1940 charity golf match with Babe Ruth, Gene Tunney, Gene Sarazen and Masters Champion Jimmy Demaret.  In addition, Ralph Greenwood, one of Connecticut’s legendary golfers served as the club’s lead golf professional for 37 years, furthering enhancing Shorehaven’s reputation as a premiere golf destination.

Now, almost a century later, Shorehaven continues to fulfill its founders’ vision.  With millions in enhancements, Shorehaven Golf Club stands as one of the finest golf facilities and private country clubs on the Connecticut coast.