Kernwood Country Club is a premier golf and social club enriched with century old traditions of excellence. Kernwood exists for the enjoyment, entertainment, and pleasure of all members, their families, and guests in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

The winding entrance road through the original stone archway welcomes you to Kernwood Country Club – a private member-owned country club located on Boston's North Shore in historic Salem, Massachusetts.

Established in 1914 by a group of Boston business leaders, Kernwood Country Club is rich in history with the likes of Walter Hagan, Francis Ouimet, and Donald Ross himself present for grand opening exhibition matches. Today, Kernwood remains one of the most beautiful clubs in the Northeast.

We strive to provide family-oriented recreational and social activities that are enjoyable and foster friendship and fellowship. We pride ourselves on our fine dining services, and the warmth and hospitality of our loyal staff.

In 2014, we celebrated our Centennial season with great pride through new member programming and events. In July of 2014, we welcomed some of the best talent in Massachusetts to our course for the Massachusetts Golf Association's Amateur Championship. We look forward to our next 100 years with great optimism.

Philanthropy

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, The On Course Foundation ( support for disabled veterans ) and many, many others.

Another example 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.

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.

Family

Our members and their families are the lifeblood of our Club. We strive to provide programs that all members of the family can enjoy. Whether you're teaching a new generation the traditions of golf, or enjoying time together at one of our holiday events, you're sure to be creating memories and connections that will live on for years to come.

Welcome to Kernwood Country Club! A Donald Ross classic combined with traditional country club elegance and modern family lifestyle offerings. Every encounter is personal and every experience is memorable. Membership at Kernwood Country Club is more than membership, it is belonging. Providing our members and their guests with a lifestyle of the highest quality through the traditions of golf.

Our Club represents over a century of tradition that is deeply rooted in our values of community, family, and superb golf. Each one of our members is unique, and our programming incorporates a diverse range of activities to appeal to all of our members' needs. Of course, while golf is central to most activities, Kernwood offers additional features for those pursuing an active lifestyle, including pool, tennis and exercise. Exercising the mind is also important at Kernwood and our Book Club and similar activities offer an opportunity to do just that. Philanthropy is another strong characteristic of Kernwood membership and lifestyle, with annual activities driving strong personal and financial support for The Dana Farber Cancer Institute and The On Course Foundation, to name just two charitable partners. Regardless of your age or family status, there is an activity for you at Kernwood, be it kids' week in the Summer, live music and dancing, book club or wine tastings; you will find like minded fellowship at Kernwood.

Kernwood Country Club is a member-owned private club located on the scenic North Shore, just 35 minutes from Boston. Our championship 18-hole golf course which lies along the Danvers River was designed by Donald Ross in 1914, earning a reputation as one of New England's most beautiful and well maintained courses.

We are a family oriented country club where members can play a challenging round of golf, dine with friends, relax at the pool, enjoy a workout in the fitness room, or play a set on the tennis courts. Along with superb facilities Kernwood is best known for the camaraderie among its members, as a social destination for family fun, member events, holidays, special occasions, educational programs and community responsibility. Kernwood continues to earn a reputation as the North Shore's premiere private club experience.

All membership categories offer full access to dining, social events, pool, gym, and tennis. Access to the golf course is dictated by the level of membership chosen.

Our classically-designed, 18-hole Donald Ross championship golf course, which boasts a slope of 130 and a par 70 layout, is the centerpiece of the property. The well known Ross concept of architecture is still as evident today as it was in the early part of the 20th century. Experienced golfers can see the resemblance between other Ross gems across the country, and beginner golfers can easily appreciate the natural landscape and captivating water views. The course lies along the scenic Danvers River, which ebbs and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The pull of the tides create an ever changing landscape.

Eight different tee placements make the course approachable for all levels. Our 9 holes of 'Little Links' encourage our youngest members to practice their skills and track their progress on their own score card. Whatever your handicap or experience, the course can be just as challenging as it is rewarding.

Kernwood Country Club was pleased to host the Massachusetts Open in 2007, the 4th time since its inception. In 2014, we welcomed the Massachusetts Golf Association back for their third Amateur Championship at Kernwood, which was previously held in 1923 and 1933.

Flyover video of the Course

Kernwood Country Club was founded in 1914 by a group of successful, Boston business professionals led by Louis Kirstein. The leisurely game of golf was growing rapidly at this time, and Kirstein and his friends took a strong interest. However, elite clubs in the area refused to welcome them to their communities for one simple reason; they were Jewish. After being faced with rejection, the group decided they would form their own Club that they could call home. The end result would become known as the Hidden Gem of the North Shore, which would live to carry out the early tradition of welcoming all.

The founders located their club in the North Shore seaside community of Salem, where they had purchased a peninsula estate owned since the mid-1800s by members of the prominent Peabody family. George Peabody himself was best known as a benefactor of numerous philanthropies including the Peabody Institute Libraries. In 1868, when the community of North Danvers was renamed, it chose the name 'Peabody' in his honor.

The country estate was home to many dazzling parties and fundraisers throughout its history, including the Pageant of Salem in 1913, a fundraising event for the House of the Seven Gables. Kirstein and his partners honored the estate's name, Kernwood, by naming it 'Kernwood Country Club' upon their acquisition in 1914.

The founders hired aspiring architect Donald Ross, who had recently completed a tenure as golf professional and greenskeeper at nearby Essex County Club in Manchester, to build their course. The membership was playing the first nine by the end of August, 1915, the second nine by late August 1918.

Since that time, Kernwood has honored the traditions of its original owners and founders as a philanthropically-inclined private membership club, boasting one of the finest championship golf courses in Greater Boston, as well as a dining facility second to none.

Photos through the years

Kernwood has had great success hosting events ranging from lavish weddings to corporate celebrations and family milestone parties. Our passionate service team makes it their mission to provide superior, refined service to make your special day truly remarkable. Kernwood's rich history, lush landscaping, and contemporary flavors provide an unforgettable backdrop for your next celebration.

Kernwood's unique blend of exceptional location, service, and food, combined with the beauty of our function rooms, makes for a truly memorable experience.

Our Club represents over a century of traditions that are deeply rooted in our values of community, family, and superb golf. Located just 35 minutes north of Boston, our membership is composed of a diverse group of individuals ranging from young families to polished executives and community leaders. When you become a part of the Club, you gain a valuable network of friends and quickly begin to build lifelong memories.

• State-of-the-Art Clubhouse
• Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi Area
• Full Service Pool Snack Bar
• Tennis Courts
• Fitness Facility
• Men’s & Women’s Locker Rooms
• Practice and Putting Greens
• PGA Teaching Pros
• Junior Golf Program
• Fleet of Visage GPS Equipped Golf Carts
• Executive Room
• Relaxing Cocktail Lounge
• Spacious Formal Dining Room
• Grille Room for Casual Dining
• Men's & Women’s 19th Holes
• Fully Stocked Pro Shop
• Pier 8 On-Course Dining
• Open Air Deck Overlooking the Course

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.

The Single Full Golf Membership offers full golf privileges with the additional benefits of offering the player's partner and children* full access to dining, exercise, tennis and pool.

* If you have children, unmarried and 27 or younger, they will have full access to dining, social events, pool, gym, and tennis as well. If your children are interested in golf, they can be added to any membership as Juniors - See Junior Memberships for more information!

The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests in a classically elegant environment. Our Front Lounge and Patio can accommodate up to 70 guests for a smaller, more intimate setting. We provide naturally beautiful settings for photos, including our golf course, floral gardens, and the panoramic views of one of America's most beautiful shorelines.

Our experienced event staff will assist you with your arrangements throughout the entire planning process, and help to oversee all of the details. Our culinary team is extremely talented and creative. It would be our pleasure to customize a menu to fit the requirements of your special event. The menus we create feature only the highest quality ingredients, earning our reputation as the "restaurant of choice" from our membership.

Our members and their families are the lifeblood of our Club. We strive to provide programs that all members of the family can enjoy. Whether you're teaching a new generation the traditions of golf, or enjoying time together at one of our holiday events, you're sure to be creating memories and connections that will live on for years to come. We have many multi-generational families here at Kernwood and there is something for everyone to keep busy and continue to make memories.

Family Full Golf Membership offers you and your partner full golf privileges with the additional benefit of offering full access to dining, exercise, tennis and pool.

* If you have children, unmarried and 27 or younger, they will have full access to dining, social events, pool, gym, and tennis as well. If your children are interested in golf, they can be added to any membership as Juniors - See Junior Memberships for more information!

Kernwood welcomes golf outings of all sizes, including small groups and charity tournaments. Multiple sets of tees on each hole allow for golfers of all abilities to enjoy a memorable round of golf, while being conveniently located on Boston's North Shore.

Panoramic waterfront views and customized menu offerings come together to make an impression on clients, business associates, and guests. Our talented events team and PGA teaching professionals will help you achieve your goals and objectives while strengthening your organizations professional rapport.

Few destinations in New England can match the unique golf and entertainment experience offered by Kernwood Country Club. Home to several state and regional championships throughout our 100 year history, our iconic Donald Ross gem is second to none.

Celebrate any family or business milestone with us!

Kernwood offers a complete dining experience including all the options associated with a full service country and family social club. The full range of options includes formal, reservation dining; more casual grille dining; deck and lounge dining to refill and refuel after a round of golf or a game of tennis and pool side dining to refresh after a swim or quick dip. Chef Joe Biskie brings extensive experience gained at one of America's legendary country clubs and has added Sunday themed Family Dinners to the array of options offered. Our in-house Pastry Chef, Carrie, puts an amazing array of desserts on the menu for the perfect sweet bite to eat after a delicious savory meal or to order for personalized birthday or special event cakes!

Young Professional is the perfect membership for an avid golfer 34 and younger. This category offers you and/or your partner full golf privileges with the additional benefit of offering full access to dining, exercise, tennis and pool.

* If you have children, unmarried and 27 or younger, they will have full access to dining, social events, pool, gym, and tennis as well. If your children are interested in golf, they can be added to any membership as Juniors - See Junior Memberships for more information!

Join us poolside to enjoy the sunshine on a lounge chair, a dip in the pool, and refresh with a drink or a snack at the snackbar! Guests are welcome to join you all summer long.

A limited golf option is the best choice for someone who is just learning the game, or can't commit to more than four rounds per month. Limited Golf members are able to participate in the opening and closing tournaments. All other tournament participation is subject to availability, and the discretion of the Golf Chairman and Head Golf Professional.

* If you have children, unmarried and 27 or younger, they will have full access to dining, social events, pool, gym, and tennis as well. If your children are interested in golf, they can be added to any membership as Juniors - See Junior Memberships for more information!

Here for the dining, social events, pool, gym, and tennis…not golf.

Social members are given access to all club facilities except the golf course and range. Social members and their family (spouse/significant other and any unmarried children, 27 or younger) are granted access to all non-golf facilities including club dining, the pool, tennis courts, gym, and all social events. Social members are also permitted to take golf lessons when accompanied by a Kernwood teaching professional.

Kernwood has two tennis courts which have been recently refurbished with Har-Tru surfaces and new wind barriers. Located between the 8th hole and the Danvers River, the courts provide a refreshing location for friendly competition or a casual rally for the family.

Another example 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.