Many years ago, Mink Meadows was established through the visionary work of a New York City banker, Robert Bigelow who was an avid hunting and fishing sportsman. Because of his love of the outdoors and the Vineyard, he acquired property in the West Chop area known as Mink Meadows sometime before 1928. Initially, trees were cut down to make fire lanes to impede the spread of a large fire. Subsequently, Bigelow caught the "golf bug" and saw that the fire lanes could in fact be the beginning of fairways. In 1936, he hired golf architect Wayne Stiles to design a golf course to support this emerging sport. In his own words quoted in a newspaper article of that time, "I feel that the game is an appeal to all classes of people who are fond of outdoor recreation."
From these humble beginnings, we progressed nicely over the years until today we enjoy a golf course, the quality and challenge of which is second to none on the Island.
One thing that hasn't changed over the years is the character of the club as originally envisioned by Mr. Bigelow. We continue to be an inclusive group of golfers who enjoy the diversity in every dimension of our fellow members, and the guests and public players that we welcome to the Club.
Our respect for the environment has also continued. Mink Meadows was founded with great care given to preserving the property to which the golf course is but a part. We take care in maintaining the golf course with as few chemicals as possible. No fungicides or insecticides have been applied to the fairways or roughs for over a decade. All practices and programs are designed and structured with the environment in mind.
We also continue to support the Martha's Vineyard community. Every year, we make available our golf course at no charge to many charitable and /or non-profit organizations for their benefit golf outings. It is our way of paying back to the community.
