History of Wanakah Country Club
Founded as the Wanakah Golf Club in 1899 by several prominent Buffalo businessmen under the leadership of Warren Phelps King, and situated on an elevated parcel overlooking Lake Erie, the nine hole course and club quickly grew in popularity and membership. Re-chartered in 1913 as the Wanakah Country Club under the direction of members Ansley Wilcox, Esq. and Marc W. Comstock, Esq., the revised By-Laws called for the golf course to be available for play to not only men but women and children also – a vanguard of change in the early 20th century transforming Wanakah into a family oriented club.
Namesakes
The annual two day women’s Ansley Wilcox Invitational Tournament honors his many contributions to Wanakah’s legendary heritage. It’s interesting to note that on September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office as the 26th President of the United States in the library of his friend Ansley Wilcox’s home located on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, New York. The annual men’s two day Comstock Invitational Tournament pays tribute to the club’s co-founder, Marc W. Comstock and his valuable stewardship throughout our early years.
In the summer of 1935 Wanakah inaugurated its famed Ganson Depew Memorial Tournament, the club’s premier annual four day men’s invitational event that continues as a testament to its namesake’s lifelong love and commitment to furthering the game of golf. A respected Buffalo business and civic leader, Ganson Depew was an active member of several area country clubs and served on the Executive Board of the United States Golf Association. He dedicated his efforts to introducing the play and etiquette of golf to countless young people on public and private courses throughout the Western New York region.
Facilities
As early as 1913 the club’s offerings reached beyond golf with the addition of two clay tennis courts. Repositioned to their current location in 1974 Wanakah members have access to three state- of- the- art tennis courses today. In 1959 Wanakah families championed the addition of a large L-shaped inground swimming pool and nearby wading pool for members to enjoy. The pool facility remains a major component of the overall Wanakah experience as generations of members and their children have participated in its numerous programs and activities.
In 1925 Wanakah’s golf course was expanded to 18 holes by noted golf course designer William “Willie” K. Watson. The current clubhouse facility with a shingled exterior and several large columned porticos was introduced that same year and has subsequently under- gone several renovations and additions enhancing its beauty and charm. Major golf course and clubhouse redesigns completed in 2020 are a tremendous source of pride and have made the Wanakah experience even more rewarding for our members and their guests.
Legacy
A renowned golf course, the abiding camaraderie of sportsmanship, an unparalleled location and gracious hospitality have been the hallmark of Wanakah County Club from its inception. We welcome you to our club and invite you to share in the “Legacy by the Lake” we are so very proud to preserve and continue from generation to generation.
