About Us

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.