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A Historical Landmark of Baltimore County 

Hillendale is in it's 100th year as a club, and we are celebrating our history. 

Our Beginnings

Hillendale Country Club, the Old Club as some refer to it, was started in 1923 at the intersection of Hillen Road and Taylor Avenue. It began as a private enterprise by the Preston Realty Company built from the Old Hillen Estate, the home of the early Mayors of Baltimore. The old mansion, built in 1793, became the clubhouse. During and after the Second World War, Hillendale experienced financial struggle.

In the early 1950's, many of our members got together and with, as they refer to it, the “Hillendale Spirit” and “Never Say Die” attitudes, and began working to rebuild the club. There were only 145 golf members who, with voluntary contributions and an aggressive new membership program, brought the club back to solid health. Then in 1952, Hillendale was informed that the club lease would be cancelled in 1954. Many sites were considered and studied, but under the direction of President Gilbert Nolte, the Lindsey farm (an old sheep farm) was purchased.

Growing Upward

The club then moved to the Blenheim Road location. The architects that were chosen, William and David Gordon, were a father and son that would go on to do numerous courses such as Saucon Valley, Williamsburg National and Medford Village. On July 9, 1954, the Clubhouse was officially opened and the next day the first tee shot was struck. From that point until now, the club and its members have seen many changes and vast improvements to the facility and the golf course.

In the 1970’s, George Fazio was hired and fairways bunkers were added, along with changes to the greens complexes. In the 1980’s, Tom Clark of Ault and Clark, made improvements to the driving range. Bob Cupp made golf course changes such as the redesign of the 13th hole and the connection ponds on the 5th and 6th holes. Then came the 1990’s. In both 1992 and 1993 the greens were unfortunately lost. If that wasn't enough, on August 19, 1993, the clubhouse tragically burned to the ground. That same “Hillendale Spirit” with which the club was formed gave rise to a cry to “Raise the Phoenix!” And so a new clubhouse was built, which is in operation today.

Be a part of the history

As we celebrate our 100th YEAR, we are constantly reminded of this rich and amazing history that we have here at Hillendale. Help us build out our archive of photos, memorabilia, stories and more!

If you are interested in being a part of the Hillendale Heritage club, please reach out by contacting Kyle Passmore at [email protected]. We would love to hear your HCC Story!

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