Community

Each club has its own culture and set of values that makes it a unique community of belonging. What sets Kernwood apart from all other courses in the Boston area is more than just the unique property it sits on. It’s our value of philanthropy, and our mission of giving back to the community that originated with our founders, and still lives on today.

August 30th, 1918 marked the opening of our second 9 holes. The membership chose to run the grand opening celebration as a fundraiser exhibition, during which Army Lieutenant Francis Ouimet and Jesse Guilford prevailed over none other than Donald Ross himself and Jack Shea, who was the Head Pro at the time. The event raised over $5,000 for the Red Cross, and made history as the most money raised by a golf club in New England since America’s involvement in World War I.

For over a century, we have honored the vision of our founders by preserving this culture of giving. Through donations, fundraisers, and charity events, our membership has supported a variety of organizations, including The Jewish Federation of the North Shore, Israel Bonds, the Anti-Defamation League, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change), Jewish Family Services, My Brother’s Table, Lifebridge, the City of Salem, and many, many others.

Perhaps one of the most resounding examples of our charitable mission is The Kernwood Scholarship Foundation. Established as a part of our 75th anniversary in 1989, the fund is driven by participation in the annual Caddie Alumni tournament, and member donations. The Club invites former caddies and golf employees back to the club to tee off while supporting current staff members’ educational goals. In 2014, the year of Kernwood’s centennial, 18 employees ranging from Wait Staff, Bag Room Attendants, Caddies, and even Management interns received financial aid raised from the event so that they may continue their education.

The club also grants golf course access at no charge to school teams in the spring and fall. Over the years, the club has given access to the course for practice and team matches to Salem State University, Salem High School, Bishop Fenwick High School, Swampscott and Marblehead High Schools, North Shore Community College and St. John’s Preparatory High School.