Beaver Meadow Golf Course in Concord, New Hampshire, stands as the oldest surviving golf course in the state, with a rich history that reflects both its community roots and its evolution over time.
The story of Beaver Meadow began in 1895 when four Concord residents—Mabel Hill, Harriet Anderson, Harriet Huntress, and Paul Holden—took up golf in fields east of Maple Grove Cemetery. In 1896, they enlisted Scottish golf professional Willie Campbell to design a nine-hole course. Campbell, who had previously worked at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, traveled to Concord by train and completed the design for a modest fee of $50.
By 1899, the club had grown to 120 members, and the first clubhouse was constructed.
In 1930, the private club's members moved across the Merrimack River to establish the Concord Country Club. Subsequently, the City of Concord acquired the original course. However, it was later discovered that the land was owned by Sewalls Falls Power and Electric Company. In 1954, the city rectified this oversight by paying $6,000 to the company and later purchased additional land from the New England Box Company to expand the course.
In 1968, renowned golf course architect Geoffrey Cornish redesigned the course, expanding it to 18 holes. This expansion included the addition of nine new holes, transforming Beaver Meadow into a full 18-hole course.
Over the years, Beaver Meadow has hosted significant tournaments, including the LPGA Futures/Symetra Tour from 2005 to 2013 and the New Hampshire Golf Association Stroke Play Championship in 2016.
Today, Beaver Meadow Golf Course remains a vital part of Concord's community, offering accessible golfing opportunities and serving as a hub for local events and tournaments. Its enduring legacy reflects the city's commitment to preserving its historical roots while adapting to the needs of modern golfers.
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