Formation and early years While
golf is known to have been introduced to the Americas as early as the 1650s, it wasn't until the last two decades of the nineteenth century that the sport saw a boom in popularity in the region. Around the same time, the first
country clubs in the United States were formed by groups of
upper-class elites seeking community and recreation amid growing
suburbanization. By 1903, a number of such clubs, devoted to golf and other activities, emerged in the vicinity of
Richmond, Virginia. Among them were the Deep Run Hunt Club, Lakeside Country Club, and
Hermitage Golf Club, none of whom owned their own facilities at the time. Inspired by the success of large clubs in cities like
St. Louis and
Baltimore, a group of citizens proposed consolidating the existing organizations into one entity and purchasing land on which to build a clubhouse and other amenities. Despite the initial support of the presidents of Deep Run, Lakeside, and Hermitage, by 1905, it was reported that the new club would be organized independently. Plans were made to buy "Westbrook," in
North Side, the former country estate of
Lewis Ginter, but a sale price could not be agreed upon, and an alternate site in the
West End was selected. The new property, in an area then known as Rio Vista, abutted Westhampton Park, a
trolley park at the end of one of the city's
streetcar lines, and was noted for its view of the
James River. Articles of incorporation were originally submitted to the
State Corporation Commission under the name "Old Dominion Country Club," but the application was amended when it was discovered that similarly-named entities already existed. The group, having decided to call themselves "The Country Club of Virginia," received their charter on July 23, 1908.
Mid 20th century to present Since 1957, an annual debutante ball called the
Bal du Bois has been held at the club. The club began admitting African-American members in the 20th century. ==Membership==