Over the past 100 years, the County Club of Lansing (CCL) has been an important element of the Lansing community, bringing people and families together over the course of its long, affluent history. Through good times and bad, the club has remained true to what the 59 prominent citizens of Lansing envisioned at its founding.

“The beginning years were really a history of the city of Lansing. The original founders were trying provide a local facility in a social setting for a golf course,” said Charles Guyselman, local historian and writer of a recent book on the club’s history. “At the turn of the century, golf was a relatively new sport to the United States; it was just beginning here. Golf courses were really only located in major metropolitan areas like New York City.”

Taking a look back in time, it can be seen that a sort of revolution took place in Lansing in 1908 when Teddy Roosevelt was president. Not only were there major happenings, such as the birth of General Motors and Fisher Body, there also was an economic and population boom. Along with this growth came time and money for vacations and relaxing activities.

Two years later, J. H. Moores built the (then-called) Lansing Country Club’s clubhouse. Moores leased it to the club for $100 per year, acting as club president and landlord. At the time, there were 160 members, and the original course had six holes. Membership dues were $20 for a man and wife, an extra $5 if a child under 16 played.

After the United States declared war on Germany in 1917, 15 members of the club joined the fight. A new clubhouse was proposed, but construction was delayed until after the war ended in 1918.  Talks began on land and costs, and it was decided the club would spend $60,000 for a clubhouse, construction of a new 18-hole golf course and paying off the existing mortgage. Struggles and change continued through the 1950s to today, and the club has undergone many alterations, including a $6.5 million renovation in 2000.

There are currently about 650 members and 140-plus employees of the club; at least 14 staff members have given over 20 years of service, and this year the CCL added five-star chef Scott Poff to its already-sterling staff.  Bringing a major focus to families and community in recent years, “The club is more family-friendly now and it’s been a joy to watch the children grow…it’s just been a great club.  For my parents, children and grandchildren, it’s been like a summer home,” said Karen Noe, a third-generation member.

“The CCL is more important today than ever due to the hectic pace of life,” said PGA member and general manager Chris Freeman.

“Our staff will call you by name and seat you at your favorite table. Our waitstaff will bring you a drink before you order it. Our number one priority here is to provide our members with the finest services and amenities in addition to a world class golf course.”

Recently, storms tore through the Lansing area and Moores River Drive was hit very hard. Lightning and high winds took over 100 trees on the course. “There were staff and members volunteering, cleaning up after the storms,” said Cathy Lazar, marketing director. “There is really a sense of community here.”

To celebrate the County Club of Lansing’s 100^th anniversary, the club will be hosting festivities all year long. Find out more by visiting: www.cclansing.org or call Cathy Lazar at 517-484-4567.