Historic Birchmont Tourney Turns 100

Bemidji Town & Country Club Celebrates a Century of Elite “Resort Circuit” Golf

The 2024 golf season marks the 100^th anniversary of the Birchmont International Golf Tournament at the Bemidji Town & Country Club (BTCC). Each year, players from across the United States and Canada flock to northern Minnesota to compete in what is openly regarded as the pinnacle of amateur golf in Minnesota.

Part of a triad of historic and prestigious “resort circuit” golf tournaments, the Birchmont International Golf Tournament has been held annually since 1924.  It serves as the first stop for top-notch amateur competition.  The triad of competition is rounded out by The Resorters tournament, held annually since 1921 at Alexandria Golf Club in Alexandria, MN, and the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament, held annually since 1931 at the Detroit Country Club in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Early Origins of The Birchmont

The Birchmont International Golf Tournament got its name from its origins in the early 1920s as a friendly golf challenge to Bemidji Country Club members by Birchmont Beach Summer Hotel guests. Located on the idyllic shores of Lake Bemidji, the hotel gained popularity in the early 1920s as one of the few fine resorts in Minnesota.

At the same time, as golf was gaining popularity, the Bemidji Country Club featured a nearby 9-hole course cut out of the dense pine forest along the north shore of Lake Bemidji.  Nine additional holes were constructed in the following years to accommodate the growing demand for a quality golf setting.  Unusually for the time, the entire 18-hole course was frequently watered, making it one of the finest destinations in the state.

The annual Birchmont tournament got its start when a large group of resort guests from Winnipeg challenged Bemidji golfers to a match.  The tournament formally began in 1925, developing out of this annual tradition of golf challenges from the summer residents, men and women alike, of the Birchmont Beach Summer Hotel, now Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge. The tournament is still played in the last week of July at the Bemidji Town & Country Club.

Notable Competitors and Achievements

The three resort circuit tournaments attract golfers from across the U.S. and Canada who are eager to compete against top amateur talent. Among the most notable competitors, Ken Pinns stands out. In 1965, Pinns achieved a feat that no one else has ever accomplished: he won the championships of all three tournaments in the same year.

Another well-known competitor across the resort circuit is Tom Lehman, an Alexandria native and the 1996 British Open Champion. Lehman and his brother, Jim, have both claimed medals at The Resorters, with Lehman’s son, Thomas, competing regularly (with Tom as his caddy).

In 2008, Amy Anderson-Olson of Oxbow, ND, claimed the Birchmont Women’s Championship before embarking on a successful professional career in the LPGA. That same year (2008), her brother Nathan Anderson won the Birchmont Men’s Championship.

Celebrating the Birchmont Legacy

The 100-year legacy of the Birchmont is rich with stories of generational and family competition. Bill Israelson of Bemidji won the Birchmont in 1973 and 1979 and went on to a career as a club professional, playing in several PGA events. His daughter Emily won the Women’s Championship five times, and his son Andrew won three times.

Jim Nelson, originally from Grand Forks, ND, and now residing in Irving, TX, first played the Birchmont in 1957 at the age of 13. His annual participation would have continued this year if not for knee surgery. However, Jim’s legacy will be represented at the 100th Birchmont tournament by two sons-in-law and three grandchildren competing.  Jim’s brother John McEnroe holds several titles and is also competing along with his wife, son, son-in-law and grandchild!

These are just a short mention of the many and varied histories we look forward to celebrating at this year’s centennial celebration of the Birchmont.  For 100 years, the Birchmont has crowned medalists in multiple divisions.  Take a stroll through this rich history by reviewing the long tradition of championship at the Birchmont Tournament Page.

Preparing for the 100th Birchmont

Securing a berth in this year’s 100^th Birchmont is a competitive feat. Tournament officials are regularly forced to close registration within days of opening, with over 400 entrants seeking the opportunity to participate. This year, the final field of competitors consists of 312 individuals from 15 states who will embark on a thrilling 6-day match-play extravaganza, featuring dedicated divisions for men, women, and juniors. Qualifying rounds are on Monday & Tuesday, with match play beginning on Wednesday.

Bemidji Town & Country Club looks forward to welcoming competitors and spectators alike to celebrate a century of golfing excellence at the historic Birchmont International Golf Tournament.

 

Key Dates and Milestones

1924:

• Bemidji Sentinel defines the need to extend the Bemidji Country Club course to 18-holes.

• Ladies Competition:  A tournament between the ladies of Bemidji Country Club and the Birchmont Beach summer hotel resulted in victory for Bemidji ladies by 1 point. The Birchmont team included women from Winnipeg, Des Moines, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Kansas City, and Omaha.
• International Competition Begins:  An “international” match is planned between hotel guests from Winnipeg and hotel guests from the States. Play is 18 holes composed of two 9-hole rounds.

 1925

• The new nine holes of the Bemidji Country Club are formally opened.
• An 18-hole President’s and Vice-President’s Men’s Match is held. The winner’s entry fee of $1.50 is refunded while losers’ fees are used to feed the contestants.
• 15 Birchmont Beach hotel guests take part in the annual tournament, several having participated in previous informal tournaments.
• Professional golfer Walter Hagen sets the course record of 33 for nine holes, broken a few days later by Joe Dahlman, Bemidji pro with a 32. Par for the 9-hole course is 36.
  

  Walter Hagen Praises Bemidji Course

1927

• Match Play Format Begins: Birchmont International Golf Tournament transitions to three-day match play tournament.

1931

• News Coverage Extends Beyond MN: Nadine O’Leary, Bismark, ND, Women’s Champion for the last two years gets Bismarck, ND press.