En-Joie Golf Club

En-Joie Golf Club. A private golf club located in Endicott, New York, renowned for its long history of hosting professional tournaments. Founded in 1927, the club's course was originally designed by Ernie Smith and has been a significant venue on both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. The club's name, derived from the French phrase for "enjoy," reflects its founding connection to the Endicott Johnson Corporation, a major local employer.

History

The club was established in 1927 by George F. Johnson, the philanthropic president of the Endicott Johnson Corporation, as a recreational facility for his employees and the local community. The original course design was crafted by professional golfer Ernie Smith, with later modifications by notable architect A. W. Tillinghast. For decades, the club operated as a public facility, deeply intertwined with the social fabric of the Southern Tier region, before transitioning to private ownership in the late 20th century. This transition was influenced by the economic shifts following the decline of the local IBM operations, which had been a successor to the area's industrial base.

Course description

The championship layout plays to a par of 71 and stretches to 6,974 yards from the back tees, featuring a traditional parkland style with tree-lined fairways. The course is known for its small, undulating Bentgrass greens and strategic bunkering, presenting a classic shot-maker's test that demands precision over sheer power. Key holes include the risk-reward par-5 12th and the demanding par-4 18th, which has decided numerous tournaments. The property is relatively flat but utilizes the natural contours of the Susquehanna River valley, with water hazards in play on several holes, including the picturesque par-3 8th.

Tournaments hosted

En-Joie served as the longtime host of the B.C. Open, a PGA Tour event, from 1971 through 2005, with winners including major champions like Hal Sutton, Fred Couples, and John Daly. Following the departure of the B.C. Open, the club became the home of the Dick's Sporting Goods Open, an event on the PGA Tour Champions, beginning in 2007. It has also hosted qualifiers for the U.S. Open and other state-level championships administered by the New York State Golf Association. The consistent quality of the course conditions and its tournament infrastructure have made it a favored stop for professional tours for over five decades.

Notable events and records

The 1972 B.C. Open was shortened to 54 holes due to rain, with Homero Blancas emerging victorious. In 1991, Fred Couples captured the title, a victory that contributed to his ascent to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking the following year. The inaugural Dick's Sporting Goods Open in 2007 was won by R.W. Eaks with a record 25-under-par total for the PGA Tour Champions event. The club also witnessed a dramatic playoff in the 2005 B.C. Open, where Jason Bohn defeated Ryan Palmer and J.P. Hayes, marking the final edition of the tournament at the venue before its move.

Club facilities and amenities

Beyond the championship course, the club features a full-scale practice facility with a driving range, short game area, and putting green. The clubhouse offers formal and casual dining, banquet spaces for events, and locker rooms for members and guests. The professional shop is staffed by PGA of America professionals who offer instruction and club fitting services. Additional amenities include a swimming pool and tennis courts, catering to a family-oriented membership within the Broome County community. Category:Golf clubs and courses in New York (state) Category:Endicott, New York Category:Sports venues in New York (state) Category:Golf courses designed by A. W. Tillinghast Category:1927 establishments in New York (state)