In 1855, John and Mary Upton built a home on their farm, located at 3717 West Ridge Road, now known as The Ridgemont clubhouse. They raised nine children in the house and they farmed their land surrounded by apple orchards that supplied fruit and grain to run a cold storage company. In 1872, the Upton family sold the farm to John Paine. In 1923, Ridge Road evolved into a commercial artery. A group of visionary real estate developers decided to establish a golf course and in 1923, The Upton-Paine home was sold and Ridgemont Golf Course was created, serving the managers and employees of the rapidly growing Eastman Kodak Company.
By Decoration Day in 1929, nine holes were playable, followed by the second nine in 1930. The Upton estate apple trees gradually gave way to new plantings of evergreens; and Ridgemont began to take on the look of a classic parkland-style golf course. The next big advance in the development of the golf course came in 1955, with the establishment of a full-course watering system, and its required reservoir pond. Not only did it provide much-needed irrigation; it also provided the backdrop for the most picturesque hole on the golf course.
Early 1961 saw the opening of a new dining room wing on the old mansion overlooking a new swimming pool. By the time of the “Ridgemont Roots” 50th anniversary party in 1978, Ridgemont Country Club had become a fully active golf and dining facility worthy of the pride exhibited by its members.
BACK THEN
In 1855, John and Mary Upton built a home on their farm, located at 3717 West Ridge Road, now known as The Ridgemont clubhouse. They raised nine children in the house and they farmed their land surrounded by apple orchards that supplied fruit and grain to run a cold storage company. In 1872, the Upton family sold the farm to John Paine. In 1923, Ridge Road evolved into a commercial artery. A group of visionary real estate developers decided to establish a golf course and in 1923, The Upton-Paine home was sold and Ridgemont Golf Course was created, serving the managers and employees of the rapidly growing Eastman Kodak Company.
By Decoration Day in 1929, nine holes were playable, followed by the second nine in 1930. The Upton estate apple trees gradually gave way to new plantings of evergreens; and Ridgemont began to take on the look of a classic parkland-style golf course. The next big advance in the development of the golf course came in 1955, with the establishment of a full-course watering system, and its required reservoir pond. Not only did it provide much-needed irrigation; it also provided the backdrop for the most picturesque hole on the golf course.
Early 1961 saw the opening of a new dining room wing on the old mansion overlooking a new swimming pool. By the time of the “Ridgemont Roots” 50th anniversary party in 1978, Ridgemont Country Club had become a fully active golf and dining facility worthy of the pride exhibited by its members.
THE NEW ERA
With all the modern improvements at Ridgemont, the flavor of the 1840’s mansion is maintained and the charm of years past lingers. We continually work to improve and upgrade the facility to provide our members with the very best Ridgemont experience possible.
In May of 2013, RCC’s Board of Governors voted to accept an offer for the sales of all the assets of the Country Club. A 25 year member, Jim Cucinelli, stepped forward with a proposal that would relieve all the certificate holding members of any, and all, debt. In addition, he made a commitment to many needed improvements and renovations. Since the turnaround, continual improvements have been made and the excitement continues. Ridgemont is now a unique, vibrant club, offering tremendous value and experience for our members and community.
