About Us

Where Good Friends Meet to Have Good Times!

Who We Are

The Eastern Shore Yacht & Country Club is for members who enjoy golf, tennis, swimming, sailing and social events. Founded in 1960, this secluded jewel is one of the Shore's best kept secrets. We're 125 acres strong, snuggly nestled in the bend of Pungoteague Creek just before it empties into the Chesapeake Bay.

We are professionally managed according to guidelines established by the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA), Professional Golf Association (PGA), and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Governance

The club is guided by its Board of Directors and governed through By-Laws, General Rules and Regulations. The Board is selected by members in good standing at the Annual Meeting. Various Board Committees direct their attention to particular areas of the club and make recommendations to the Board. Board meetings are held monthly and are open to all members.

Day to day operations are under the auspices of the Management Team, which receives direction from and reports to the Board. 

Memberships

The Eastern Shore Yacht & Country Club offers a variety of membership classifications, with options for those who play a lot of Golf to those who just want everything else. There's something for everyone; Family, Singles, Resident, Non-Resident, Full, Social, Trial, Summer, Young Adult or Junior. Following Board approval of your application, you will be welcomed into the Eastern Shore Yacht & Country Club family, and are ready to enjoy our fine facilities.

Please call the Business Office at 757-787-1525 for more information about the membership options and process.

Management Team

Monika Bridgforth - General Manager

Andrew Howard - Greens Superintendent

Jim Jones - Golf Shop Manager

Our History

Then

The Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club was founded in April 1960, when 125 acres of land on Yeo Neck was acquired from Levin T. Johnson. Eddie Ault was selected as the golf course architect. By July 1960, 285 persons had joined the club. The Board of Directors held their first meeting in the new clubhouse on June 7, 1961.

On September 2, 1961, a Grand Opening was held and the first nine holes of the golf course was officially opened for play on September 23, 1961. The second nine holes was officially opened for play on June 17, 1965. The completed course has a rating of 69.7, par 70, slope of 121 and 6335 yards from blue tees. Our first golf pro, Tony Arch, and wife Carol lived in a trailer parked where our tennis courts are now.

The 1967 Virginia State Open Golf Championship was held at the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club. Many leading state golf professionals participated, including Tom Strange, Chandler Harper, Herb Hooper, and Claude King. Former PGA Champion Chandler Harper was the winner of this tournament.

Our dock has been been rebuilt twice, following hurricanes in 1960 and 1985. Dock Chairman, Morgan Ridington, made our dock extension possible through his diligent service and creativity.

On December 23, 2017, disaster struck when a fire following a Christmas celebration burned down the Club House. Thanks to the hard work and planning of many members, a new Sports Club was opened within 2 years of the blaze, and a well-appointed new Club House is expected to be open in Summer 2020.  

Now

Today the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club is strong, overlooking Pungoteague Creek.  The club is the focal point for social and recreational activities for its members and the extended community. The golf course, pool, tennis courts and dock hum with activity all season. 

Eastern Shore Yacht & Country Club is considered one of the Shore's premiere hosts for private events for our members. The Pro Shop & Golf Course are also well known as desired locations for Charity Tournaments.

The club is staffed with professionals to appropriately guide each area. They include General Manager, Monika Bridgforth;  Golf Professional, Alan Moore, Class A PGA, is there to perfect your swing and gives great tips. James Jones is Golf Shop Manager and makes sure tournaments run smoothly. Andrew Howard, Greens Superintendent, oversees the golf course and crew.