History of Philadelphia Cricket Club in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 10, 2025

The Philadelphia Cricket Club, established in 1854, holds the distinction of being the oldest country club in the United States. It has two locations in southeastern Pennsylvania, specifically in Chestnut Hill and Flourtown, both situated north-northwest of downtown Philadelphia. Its establishment and continued operation represent a significant historical landmark in the development of sports and social organizations in the U.S.

1907: Alec Ross Wins the U.S. Open

In 1907, Alec Ross won the United States Open Championship held at the St. Martins course with a score of 302 for 72 holes. During this championship, Jack Hobens achieved the first hole-in-one in U.S. Open competition.

1910: Alex Smith Wins the U.S. Open

In 1910, Alex Smith won the U.S. Open held at the St. Martins course, shooting a 71 on the final day. Willie Anderson, the club's professional, also entered the competition. This was before Anderson became one of only four players to win the U.S. Open four times.

1920: Purchase of land for a new course

In 1920, a large tract of land was purchased because the Philadelphia Cricket Club did not own the grounds on which the St. Martins golf course was built.

1921: U.S. Women's National Championships Moved

In 1921, the U.S. Women's National Singles Championship, which had been held at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, moved to Forest Hills.

1922: Opening of the Wissahickon course

In 1922, the new Wissahickon course designed by A.W. Tillinghast, was opened.

1924: Disbandment of the Cricket Team

In 1924, the cricket team at Philadelphia Cricket Club was initially disbanded.

1968: Publication of "The Library of Golf"

In 1968, Joseph S.F. Murdoch, a long-time member and respected golf bibliographer, published "The Library of Golf". This work remains foundational in the field of golf literature cataloging.

The Premier Golf Library Formed by Joseph S F Murdoch

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1987: Publication of "The Game of Golf and the Printed Word, 1566-1985"

In 1987, Joseph S.F. Murdoch, a long-time member and respected golf bibliographer, published "The Game of Golf and the Printed Word, 1566-1985". This work remains foundational in the field of golf literature cataloging.

THE GAME OF GOLF AND THE PRINTED WORD, 1566-1985

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1998: Revival of the Cricket Team

In 1998, the cricket team at Philadelphia Cricket Club was revived.

1999: Decision to develop Militia Hill golf course

In 1999, the Board of Governors decided to develop a third golf course, named Militia Hill, designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry.

2006: Swimming Team Placed Fourth at CCSAGP

In 2006, the Philadelphia Cricket Club swimming team placed fourth at the Country Club Swimming Association of Greater Philadelphia's League Championships, led by William Penn Charter's high school swimming coach Kevin Berkoff.

June 18, 2013: Start of Wissahickon Course Restoration

On June 18, 2013, construction began on a complete restoration of the Wissahickon course. The restoration was led by designer Keith Foster and Director of Grounds Dan Meersman.

2014: Wissahickon hosted the Philadelphia Open

Following the 2014 renovation, the Wissahickon course hosted the 2014 Philadelphia Open.

2014: Hosted the World Hickory Match Play Invitational

In 2014, the Philadelphia Cricket Club hosted the World Hickory Match Play Invitational on the St Martins course.

2014: Platform Tennis Hut Listed as Impressive

In 2014, the Philadelphia Cricket Club's platform tennis hut was listed as one of the most impressive by Town & Country.

2015: Hosted the PGA Professional National Championship

In 2015, Wissahickon, along with Militia Hill, hosted the PGA Professional National Championship.

2015: Sale of St. Martins course

In 2015, the St. Martins course was sold to the Philadelphia Cricket Club by the Woodward family as part of an open space initiative.

2016: Hosted the Constellation Senior Players Championship

In 2016, Wissahickon hosted the Constellation Senior Players Championship.

2017: Hosted the National Hickory Championship

In 2017, the Philadelphia Cricket Club hosted the National Hickory Championship on the St. Martins course.

2019: Pickleball Became a Prominent Sport

In 2019, pickleball became a prominent sport at the Philadelphia Cricket Club with the construction of six outdoor courts and eight temporary indoor courts on the indoor tennis courts.

2019: PCC Wins CCSAGP League Championship

In 2019, the Philadelphia Cricket Club won the Country Club Swim Association of Greater Philadelphia League Championship.

2024: Hosted the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball

In 2024, Wissahickon hosted the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball.

2024: Wissahickon course ranked #98 in Golf Magazine

In 2024, the Wissahickon course at Philadelphia Cricket Club was ranked #98 in Golf Magazine’s top 100 United States course rankings for 2024-25. Also, the Club hosted the 2024 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball.