Rhode Island Amateur returns to Montaup CC
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
PORTSMOUTH – Montaup Country Club is more than just that golf course you drive past when heading south on Route 24 towards Newport.
Its history runs deep.
Located on 141 acres, the property features incredible water views of the Mt. Hope Bridge, a historical railroad and cemetery, power lines that generate 345,000 volts, and of course, the buzzing sound of Route 24.
“It’s a beautiful piece of property,” said longtime member Ted Simonetti.
Oh, and the 18-hole, semi-private golf course is amazing, too. It will be on display as Montaup CC hosts the 118th Rhode Island Amateur Championship July 10-14. A total of 126 golfers will attempt to have his name etched onto the sterling silver trophy as the 2023 state champion.
“It’s a huge historical significance to win the Rhode Island Amateur for many reasons,” said 2005 Rhode Island Amateur champion Tommy McCormick. “Rhode Island has been graced with some of the best to play the game both locally and nationally. To have the opportunity to put your name beside people who have accomplished so much, not only in the game, but for the game, is a tremendous honor and should not be taken for granted. It’s crazy to think that this tournament has been going on for nearly 120 years and all it has endured – world wars, pandemics, depressions – and how far the game has come in that period.”
Montaup is also celebrating its centennial anniversary this year and is ready to host this historical tournament.
“It’s great,” Simonetti said. “We’re just very proud to host the event. This is a great golf course. Everything’s looking good and we’re very happy with it. It’ll be a good test.”
Course superintendent Bill Coulter has Montaup in pristine condition in preparation for the Rhode Island Amateur.
“The course is in great shape even with the cool and rainy weather we’ve had,” Coulter said. “The property drains very well and can absorb thunderstorm rain better than almost any course. The greens will be more receptive than typical July conditions and the rough will be thick and lush. The mature trees lining the fairways, combined with the out of bounds on the left side of the first three holes will put an early emphasis on accuracy off the tee.”
Most golfers participating in the Rhode Island Amateur have played Montaup several times, especially since the first three holes are considered the toughest starting holes in the Ocean State.
While players are focused on making par, they probably don’t realize the history of the property. Montaup is located on the northern tip of Aquidneck Island, which native Americans called Pocasset Neck. Dating back to the 1750s, the Chase family owned the farm that eventually became the golf course. The property was filled with apple and peach trees and had an impact during the Revolutionary War.
The Old County and Newport Railway tracks were laid in the 1840s and trains ran often between here and Boston until the 1920s. The tracks remain and it’s common to see Rail Explorers Railbike Tours, or the Newport Dinner Train run through the course. In fact, the railroad line that divides the golf course provides a rare out-of-bounds penalty within the perimeter of the property.
Jimmy Nichols was named Montaup’s first pro in 1940. He set the club record that season with a score of 68, posting 34s on each side. He also accomplished it with one arm. Yes, one arm. He was 23-years-old in 1929 when his car collided with a freight train near Fort Worth, Texas. He spent 129 days in the hospital with two broken legs, facial lacerations and lost his right arm. He started golfing one year after the accident, eventually turned pro and became a world famous for his ability to play with one arm. He earned the Ben Hogan Award in 1962, which is presented to someone who overcomes a serious injury or illness to become actively involved in golf.
Vehicles began zipping past Montaup when Route 24 opened in 1951. However, the original plan for the expressway had it going through Montaup when the state attempted to acquire the land through eminent domain. Frank McMurrough, a state senator from Tiverton, was a member of Montaup. More importantly, he was a close friend of then-governor Dennis Roberts, who was also an avid golfer. After the two spoke about the expressway project, Roberts told the Army Corps of Engineers to change plans, so Route 24 swings around the property and Montaup was saved.
“If you look from above, once you go over the Sakonnet River Bridge, [Route 24] bends left and went around Montaup,” Simonetti said.
It’s hard to miss the cemetery on the 17th hole. There are three headstones surrounded by a stone wall and a pine tree. The Chase family, which originally owned the land, buried three infant grandchildren on the site from 1831 to 1843. It’s officially marked as Portsmouth Historical Cemetery No. 1.
'BEST VALUE IN AMERICA'
Known as a blue-collared club, Montaup experienced its share of lean times during its 100 years. It was nearly sold seven times, but now Montaup is 500 members strong and there’s a 250-person waiting list.
“It’s the best value in the country as far as golf,” Simonetti said. “It’s inexpensive and was set up the right way. It’s been challenging at times, but we’re the healthiest we’ve been – ever.”
CHARITY REIGNS
Members of Montaup take pride in club’s charitable endeavors. In 1982, the Rose Hawthorne Tournament was established. Montaup organized and ran the tournament for 21 years and raised $300,000 for the Rose Hawthorne Cancer House in Fall River. From 2003 to 2012, Montaup hosted the club’s A Wish Come True Tournament and raised $218,600 and grated a total of 58 wishes during that span. Montaup began its popular “Charity Day” in 2012 and the annual event has raised over $250,000 for 20 local charities.
CHIP AND PUTT
A few other facts about Montaup: Montaup was an 18-hole course until World War II. To support the war effort, Montaup leased out the back nine to the Navy for gravel and it was used for anti-submarine guns at Sakonnet Point. It was called Fort Church, which closed in 1950s. Montaup remained a nine-hole course until the late 1960s. Roger Turcotte was hired and he re-built the back nine holes in 1967 similar to the original design. Before-and-after photos hang on the clubhouse walls. Turcotte worked at Montaup for 50 years and only retired five years ago. The maintenance facility is named in his honor . . . Two planes have made emergency landings on the property . . . Many changes have made to the clubhouse, but the slate foundation from the 1700s remain . . . Montaup will host a Centennial Gala in August and tickets can be purchased for the event. A book titled “A Century of Golf at Montaup Country Club 1923-2023” will be published this fall. James M. Ricci, Ted Simonetti, Dave Cwalina, Kerry McAuliffe and Tom McAvoy, along with help from the historical societies of Portsmouth, Fall River and Newport, researched and wrote the book.
(Information from the book was used in this story).