The beginnings of Springville Country Club can trace its roots directly to the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh railroad. Prior to becoming a golf course, the grounds the club sits on today was known as Cascade Park. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, men, women and children would climb aboard the railroad bound for Cattaraugus. The train would stop at Cascade Park, where there was a pavilion that could house more than 300 people, a merry go round and a cookhouse, located near the present day #4 & #15. In 1922, frequent travelers to the park, as well as local Springville business owner formed Springville Country Club, where a large portion of the Park’s grounds were turned into a small 6 hole golf course. As the club began to grow, the course was expanded to 9 holes, and Dr. Ralph Waite donated $1,500 in 1929 to create bent grass greens.
In 1965, Ange Alberico, the PGA Golf Professional at the time, petitioned the board to pass the motion to expand the 9 hole course to a full 18 hole club, as well as build a new clubhouse for the increasing membership. The motion was passed, and Roger Bugenhagen, the Grounds Superintendent, took up the mantel and designed, built and cared for the entirety of the new holes, including an additional 19th hole, as well as the original 9.
In 1990, Ange retired, and Dave Thomas became the PGA Golf Professional. Dave and Roger worked tirelessly to improve upon the golf course; they redesigned holes, added USGA spec green complexes, new bunkers, new teeing grounds and expanded upon the driving range. Sadly, in 2006, a fire claimed the Pro Shop and Cart Barn. Dave and Roger were able to design a new Pro Shop, as well as a more cohesive cart barn, to allow for more club storage. Presently, Springville Country Club boasts a full membership, playing more than 20,000 rounds per year on our 19 wonderfully maintained golf holes. In our 100thyear, we are more than excited to welcome the NYSGA Senior Championship to our club in September.
To learn more about Springville Country Club, visit their website.