Situated on a picturesque hillside landscape in Elizabeth Township, Youghiogheny Country Club has a spectacular view of the river below, which is where it got it's name "Youghiogheny" meaning "river with a bend".
Youghiogheny Country Club formed when a group of golf enthusiasts purchased 107 acres in Elizabeth Township in April 1911 that was once owned by Colonel Douglas and his descendants, the McClure Family. The property included a farmhouse, which was renovated and used as the member social center. On May 30th, 1911 the Youghiogheny Country Club officially opened; however, work continued yearly until the original building was surrounded by the new one, a Colonial and Spanish style buff white brick building. One of the expenses that the club incurred in the early years was getting a source of water up the hill from the Youghiogheny River. Spring water was used in the summers, but during the winters, water was forced uphill from the river. Ice was brought up daily on two teams of horses. Transportation was an issue and the club's social hours had to coincide with the hours of operation of the trolley line that ran parallel to the clubhouse. In July of 1915, two water tanks were built down in a hollow in the woods, toward the river, to hold water for the greens. The golf course originally opened with only four holes and later added two more holes. The "Yough", which is what it was commonly known as, and is still referred to as today, remained six holes until 1913 when the "front nine" was completed. In 1922, an additional 78 acres on the Boston side of the road was purchased for $11,700 with the plans to build the "back nine". The architect for the back nine was Willie Park, Jr. from Scotland. He was not only a renowned golf course architect, but as a player he won the 1897 British Open and was the runner-up in 1898, then won the Open again in 1899.
The completed 18 hole course was opened on July 4, 1922, and Taylor Alderdice, President of National Tube Company hit the first ball with S.M. Lynch, John A Caughy and George Duncan. The club also established a baseball team, constructed tennis courts and a gun club. The baseball team only lasted one year and the gun club was disbanded in 1928. Membership was sold to those who could afford the $50 initiation fee and the $25 yearly dues. It was soon found that the dues were too low and the charter members raised the dues in 1913 to $50 per year. In 1920 they raised the initiation fee to $200 and yearly dues to $72. The club's first president was W.A. Cornelius, former manager of the National Tube Company Works and served from 1911 to 1915, 1920 to 1921 and 1925 to 1928. J.E. Lauck was the first Vice President and R.J. Caughey the first secretary and treasurer. Arthur Bostrom served as Club Manager. More of the original "charter" members were T.S. Soles, H.H. Renziehausen, J.C. Kelly, W.C. Shaw, R.C. Painter and Senator Mansfield. Construction continued over the years to help transform the magnificent clubhouse that stands today. In 1952, a porch was enclosed providing terrace dining overlooking the number one tee. A swimming pool was added in 1954. In 1958, an underground pipeline was installed over the entire golf course to quench the thirst of the fairways and greens. In 1960, a mixed grill and lounge were added for casual after golf dining. In 2000 they added the Grill Dining Room and the original mixed grill was remodeled into the current Grill Bar. In July 2003, construction began on removing the barge that was once the swimming pool and opened up the new heated swim facility. And in December 2004, the Youghiogheny added the state of the art fitness center. In 2007, the membership sold the Country Club to 6 faithful members consisting of John Goodrum, Robert Johnson, Jack Yarborough, Dean McHolme, Norman McHolme and the late Dr. Rudolph Buck. Since then they have done numerous remodeling such as cart paths on the back 9, new carpeting, marble floor tiles, sidewalks, interior and exterior paint, new awnings and outdoor carpeting. For 100 years, many families have enjoyed the amenities Youghiogheny Country Club has to offer along with lifelong friendships. Youghiogheny Country Club plans to offer another 100 years of tradition and enjoyment. Pictures from Youghiogheny Country Club's Centennial Celebration (2011)