The Inside Swing

Salem Country Club

Peabody, Massachusetts

Private Club · 18 Holes · Par 72 · 6,843 yds · Members Only · 4.7

A Donald Ross masterpiece on the North Shore, Salem Country Club hosted the 2017 U.S. Senior Open. The classic Ross design features crowned greens, strategic bunkering, and a parkland setting through mature New England hardwoods that has stood the test of time.

History & Heritage

Salem Country Club was established in 1895 and moved to its current Peabody, Massachusetts location where Donald Ross designed the championship course that opened in 1926. Ross created a classic New England parkland layout through mature hardwoods on the North Shore, featuring his trademark crowned greens and strategic bunkering.

The club has hosted an impressive roster of USGA championships: the 1932 U.S. Women's Amateur, the 1954 U.S. Women's Open won by Babe Didrikson Zaharias while recovering from cancer treatment, the 1984 U.S. Women's Open won by Hollis Stacy, and both the 2001 and 2017 U.S. Senior Opens.

Salem has undergone careful restoration to preserve Ross's original design intent while maintaining the course for modern championship play.

Signature Holes

4
Hole 4 Par 4 · 435 yards

A long, demanding par 4 consistently ranked among the most difficult holes on the course. The approach must find a crowned Ross green defended by deep bunkers.

9
Hole 9 Par 4 · 410 yards

A beautiful finishing hole on the front nine through a corridor of mature hardwoods with a classic Ross green featuring fall-offs on all sides.

14
Hole 14 Par 3 · 185 yards

A signature par 3 with a demanding carry to a well-bunkered green. Wind through the trees and the crowned putting surface make this a tricky one-shotter.

18
Hole 18 Par 4 · 440 yards

A strong finishing par 4 demanding two quality shots to a green complex that has decided many USGA championships.

What to Expect

Salem Country Club is a quintessential Donald Ross New England parkland course. Mature hardwood trees frame every hole, and the terrain rolls gently through the North Shore landscape. Ross's crowned greens shed approach shots that miss the center, creating challenging up-and-down situations.

At 6,843 yards with a par of 72, the course relies on precision rather than length. Conditioning is outstanding, and the classic Ross routing provides excellent variety.

Playing Tips

The crowned greens are the key to scoring. Approach shots must land on the correct portion, as misses roll off the edges into collection areas and bunkers. Favor the center of each putting surface.

The New England hardwoods create tight corridors on many holes. Accuracy off the tee is essential. Play to the wide side of fairways and accept the longer approach.

Highlights

  • 2017 U.S. Senior Open host
  • Classic Donald Ross crowned greens
  • Historic North Shore parkland setting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public play Salem Country Club?
No. Salem Country Club is a private club with no public access.
What major championships has Salem hosted?
The 1932 U.S. Women's Amateur, the 1954 and 1984 U.S. Women's Opens, and the 2001 and 2017 U.S. Senior Opens.
Who won the famous 1954 U.S. Women's Open at Salem?
Babe Didrikson Zaharias won in one of sport's most inspiring victories, competing while recovering from cancer treatment.
Who designed Salem Country Club?
Donald Ross designed the course, which opened in 1926, featuring his trademark crowned greens and strategic bunkering.

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