History

Runaway Brook Golf Club was built in 1899 and operated as a nine-hole public course for more than 50 years. The club was acquired 1953 by Albert Suprenant, who hired Geoffrey Cornish to design the Pines course, which was built in place of the Runaway Brook course. Mr. Cornish was assisted in the design by legendary amateur Francis Ouimet and touring professional Paul Harney, as well as Mr. Suprenant. The Pines course debuted in 1955 as the longest golf course in the world at 8,040 yards from the Tiger tees.

International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT) purchased the property in 1961 and for nearly 40 years operated it as a corporate retreat and private club. In 1967 ITT changed the name to The International Club.

The Pines course grew in reputation as not only the longest course in the world, but one of the most difficult, due largely to its huge, steep greens and very challenging bunkers. In 1972, Robert Trent Jones coordinated a renovation that included lengthening the course to its current 8,325 yards and softening the greens and bunkers. Mr. Cornish’s team returned in 1987 to add some bunkering and redesign the 8th hole, a par-4 with a sharp dogleg left. The dogleg still exists, but the green was moved to the right, closer to the water hazard guarding the right side of the fairway.

The International served as a corporate club and many of ITT’s executives joined as members. In 1996, Starwood Hotels & Resorts acquired the Club with its acquisition of ITT/Sheraton. Dan and Florence Weadock acquired The International from Starwood in 1999 and the following year Tom Fazio was hired to design his first golf course in New England. The Oaks course opened in 2001, along with the golf academy he designed to serve both courses. The Pines course subsequently hosted the New England Open in 2002 and 2004.

Mr. Weadock, who passed away in 2005, was widely respected after successfully elevating the prestige and reputation of The International. Prior to acquiring The International, Mr. Weadock served as the president and chief executive officer of Sheraton.

Escalante Golf acquired The International out of bankruptcy in February 2021.