About Quidnessett
Expertly Designed Golf Courses
About Quidnessett
The Quidnessett Country Club Golf Course was designed by Geoffrey Cornish, designer of The International Golf Club, Bolton, MA, and author of The Golf Course, Classic Golf Hole Design and The Architects of Golf – A Survey of Golf Course Design from its Beginnings to the Present.
Members-only executive private dining room with a fantastic view of Narragansett Bay and Quidnessett’s 18th hole. Entertain your friends and family in the private intimate setting featuring nightly specials and themed events throughout the year. Choose fine wines to enhance your dining experience or complete your dinner with espresso or selections from our deluxe pastry menu.
Learn About Quidnessett Country Club
Decades Of History
The following is a summary of the history of the people and places that have preceded Quidnessett Country Club as we know it today. This information has been taken from our official booklet written by Kathleen Tatro in September of 1994.

June 11, 1659
Coquinquant, the tribe sachem, presented a deed of the Quidnessett country to Major Humphry Atherton of Plymouth
When Roger Williams arrived in Narragansett Bay with 1,500 settlers, there were already approximately 75,000 Native Americans living in the area. While attempts were made to live in harmony, conflict was inevitable. On June 11, 1659, Coquinquant, the tribe sachem, presented a deed of the Quidnessett country to Major Humphry Atherton of Plymouth, employed as Superintendent of the praying Indians. This purchase was deemed a fraudulent “land grab” under Rhode Island law. On July 8, 1663, a new royal charter established “The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” Following the war with King Philip in 1675, colonists returned to the area, transforming it into prosperous farmland and eventually country estates.

June of 1925
The Allens sold the Quidnessett property to Walter Hanley
The Allens sold the Quidnessett property to Walter Hanley, a successful local brewer. In June 1925, the property was sold again to C. Preston Knight. The Knight family, known for their textile mills and the “Fruit of the Loom” trademark, eventually sold the property. On June 2, 1959, it became King Phillip Country Club before being renamed Quidnessett Country Club on December 31, 1959.

January 24, 1960
Quidnessett Country Club is officially noted
Quidnessett Country Club officially began on January 24, 1960, though the land’s history dates back to the Narragansett Indian Tribe. The area, once called Aquitawaset or Cocumcussoc, was used by the Native Americans for hunting and farming. The name “Quidnessett” is thought to mean “at the small island” or possibly “park,” as suggested by historian Thomas William Bicknell.

January 24, 1960
The opening of Quidnessett Golf and Country Club with Sam Snead
On January 24, 1960, the Quidnessett Golf and Country Club opened with Sam Snead and Ted Williams serving on the advisory board. Charter memberships were offered for $300, with lifetime memberships priced at $1,002 (tax included). On September 10, 1960, a celebrity exhibition match featured Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer, with Snead narrowly defeating Palmer to win a $3,000 cash prize.

October 11, 1960
Posted In “The Evening Bulletin”
By October 1960, Quidnessett Golf & Country Club faced financial difficulties and was placed in receivership. Developers took on ownership to complete unfinished work, leading to a court battle. The club was eventually turned over to its members.

July 27, 1972
Fire At Quidnessett Country Club
On July 27, 1972, a fire destroyed parts of the clubhouse, which was rebuilt with a design emphasizing views of Narragansett Bay. On October 25, 1978, another fire caused significant damage, requiring further reconstruction. A third fire in 1982 damaged the machinery and maintenance building, but rebuilding efforts continued. In April 1984, a newly renovated clubhouse was unveiled during a celebratory gala.

July 27, 1982
Board of Governors reviewed the offer and unanimously accepted Mr. Janikies’
By 1982, disputes arose among shareholders and members about the club's future. Despite disagreements, Nicholas W. Janikies presented a proposal that was unanimously accepted by the Board of Governors. This led to new developments, including a modernized clubhouse.

In The 1990's
G.O.P. fundraiser with President Bush, the 1990’s
In the 1990s, Quidnessett Country Club expanded with condominium developments near the first tee, eventually totaling seven units. Banquet and member facilities were also renovated. Today, Quidnessett is New England’s premier banquet facility and is at full capacity for golfing memberships.
Have Questions About Our Amenities?
Contact Us Today
If you’re looking for more information regarding memberships, club services/ amenities, or anything else here at Quidnessett Country Club please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have expert staff waiting to help you out however we can, and are always accepting new membership applications!