Milton Hershey envisioned a chocolate enterprise whose profits would enrich the community, providing a finer and fuller life to the people connected with it. In 1930, he founded HERSHEY Country Club, giving up the first floor in his High Point Mansion to serve as the Clubhouse. Since then, sporting excellence has been the key, attracting legendary golf heroes and players of all levels.

Known for impeccably maintained greens and the natural beauty of its rolling fairways, with rich history on every hole, Hershey remains a golf favorite for players, as well as those who prefer the sidelines. Host to prestigious national events, including the 1940 PGA Championship and the LPGA Tour’s Lady Keystone In its 75-year history, HERSHEY Country Club has attracted the game’s top players including Ben Hogan, Henry Picard, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Jim Furyk, and Nancy Lopez.

In keeping with its rich golf tradition, HERSHEY Country Club continues to be one of the most prestigious clubs in the country.

THE HERSHEY COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERS' ASSOCIATION
By Randy Huber

With the 1993 purchase of Hershey Country Club by American Golf, Members became increasingly concerned over the minimal interaction with new management for exchanging ideas pertaining to activities and operations of the club.

To initiate this dialogue, a group of Members led by the late Walter Shearer (shown cranking up a persimmon) prepared a letter to Membership in December of 1993, soliciting those interested to attend a meeting to discuss formation of a Members’ association. Mr. Shearer, having formerly served on the Board of Governors of Carlisle Country Club, had knowledge of the inner workings of such a group, and developed the committee structure at
Hershey.

Following approval by American Golf, the fi rst meeting was held January 5, 1994, at the Hershey High School auditorium. In February, 1994, the fi rst Board of Governors was elected, those being Jim Bott, Clarence Brockman, Rob Colwell, Sam DeAngelis, Roy Folmer, Ron Fouche’, Mark Henry, Ted Janeczek, Ray Manari, Sue McClure, Scott Reese, Pete Richter, and Trudy Spangler. Mr. Shearer was elected fi rst president.

Monthly meetings with club management soon followed to discuss the condition of all operations. A mutual respect developed from these meetings and improvements were soon noted in all sectors. Presidents following Mr. Shearer have been Ted Janeczek, Stu Matt, Karen Smith, Bruce Dieffenbach, Jackie Kerlish, Judy Zaenglein, Sue McClure, and Henry Pofi .
At a 2000 anniversary dinner, Mr. Shearer was presented a bronze plaque for his important role in the association’s founding. This plaque now reposes in the entry foyer history case of the new Clubhouse. The Membership Association, along with management, continue meeting to this day to ensure the smooth operation of Hershey Country Club.

Henry Picard — World Golf Hall of Fame Inductee

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