About
BEAUTIFULLY REIMAGINED
Elizabeth Manor is more than a golf course and country club – it’s a lifestyle. Founded in 1948, the club is a well-known landmark located in the historic city of Portsmouth, Virginia.
Originally designed in 1948 by Dick Wilson, the 18-hole, par 70 championship golf course is a Private Golf Club and features a full-service Professional Golf Shop & world-class practice range and short game facility. Committed to a high-level of excellence, the course has been reimagined into a world-class course beginning in 2019 by owner Dwight Schaubach and his team with the consulting of World Golf Hall of Fame member and Two-Time Eastern Amateur Champion, Ben Crenshaw.
Beyond golf, Elizabeth Manor offers several family-friendly, resort-like amenities including tennis, swimming, culinary delights, and memorable social events. Explore how the course has evolved in its 70+ year history.
The Course's Evolution
1948
Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club was organized in 1948 when a small group of golfing enthusiasts met with T.A. Willett at the Norman Packing Company to discuss forming a new country club for golfers. In addition to Mr. Willett, the group included E.S. Early Sr., Ralph Yearby, Wolga Bland, Chandler Harper, Charles F. Harper Jr., George O. Diggs, Bus Beale, Harry G. McCready, R.R. McCoy, and J.M. Tusing. The corporation they formed received its charter on May 14, 1948, and Mr. Willett and Mr. Early were elected the first president and treasurer, respectively. Clarence “Ace” Parker also served as one of our founding members as well as being the oldest living member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
These gentlemen understood the task of raising money to pay for the proposed country club. Stock was sold to residents in Portsmouth and Suffolk to finance the building of the course, clubhouse, and other facilities. In addition, ninety-nine building lots owned by the corporation members were sold and the proceeds used to pay for the golf course and clubhouse. Three years after the corporation was formed, the course was completed and Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club opened on August 15, 1951. Several years later, the pool was built and opened in May 1957.
1951-1957
That same year, Elizabeth Manor hosted the Inaugural Eastern Amateur Golf Tournament, a popular event that has continued to be successful through the years.
This tournament attracts many outstanding amateurs from throughout the United States, and other countries. Many of the great names in professional golf came to Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club to play in the Eastern Amateur when they were amateurs, including Curtis Strange, Ben Crenshaw, Galen Hill, Tom Strange, and Dean Beaman. Over the years, many people have generously contributed their time and efforts to ensure the continued success of this prestigious tournament.
In 2019, Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club was purchased from its members. New ownership is committed to the restoration of the clubs’ tremendous history, and has several improvements planned over the course of 2020 to update and modernize the course and amenities while maintaining its original character. Members will see enhancements made to the course conditions including a redesign to the teeing areas and repairs made to all the bunkers throughout the golf course. Course renovations were designed with the consulting of World Golf Hall of Fame member and Two-Time Eastern Amateur Champion, Ben Crenshaw.
