Challenge meets beauty
The course at Guyan Golf and Country Club is a masterpiece for those that play it and those that tour it. Nestled in a river valley in the eastern side of Huntington, West Virginia, the course and the challenge it provides have always been a centerpiece or our region.
The golf course architect at Guyan Golf and Country Club was Mr. Herbert Strong. One of the most sought-after course designers of the 1920’s – Strong was often referred to as “well known” or “internationally famous” Herbert Strong. Mr. Herbert Strong completed the golf course in 1922 on the land formerly known as the Ensign Farm. Strong also built courses at Saucon Valley, Canterbury, Army-Navy in Arlington, Fort Pierce in Florida, and Murray Bay in Canada.
Guyan has been the site of numerous golf tournaments throughout the years, including the Marshall Invitational, U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open Qualifiers, the Women’s Western Amateur, the West Virginia Amateur & Open Championships, the West Virginia Women’s Amateur, the West Virginia Senior Amateur, the West Virginia Junior Amateur, the Virginias-Carolinas Team Matches, and the USGA Girl’s Junior Amateur.
Guyan has also hosted some of the country’s most outstanding golfers. Sam Snead won the West Virginia Open in 1936 at Guyan and qualified for his first U.S. Open the next year at the club. In 1942, Guyan welcomed its largest crowd when 4,000 watched an exhibition between Arnold Browning and Denny Shute against Byron Nelson and Harold McSpahen. Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen also appeared at Guyan in exhibition matches. Patty Berg, Betsy Rawls, and Betty MacKinnon, leading professionals on the women’s circuit, gave a memorable clinic at the club in 1954.
Acclaimed golfer Bill Campbell learned to play golf at Guyan, where he was a member for 87 years. Campbell held many titles, including 1964 U.S. Amateur Champion, 1979 and 1980 USGA Senior Amateur Champion, 1982 and 1983 President of the United States Golf Association, and 1987 Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. In 2013, the Guyan entrance was renamed and the logo redesigned in his honor.
Today, the course is well known to be one that requires the player to have all facets of the game at the ready. The placement of the ball is critical and the ability to create shots is a true advantage. Quick, firm greens require the deftest touch from those that play Guyan. Whether it’s a quick nine with friends or a tournament, you’ll be certain to enjoy your trip around the course.