ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY

White Bear Yacht Club was founded as a Yacht Club in 1889. Famed as a Club northeast of the Twin Cities, the property sits on the shorelines of White Bear Lake and was founded by group of St. Paul sailors. By the spring of 1890, the Club had more than 42 members who paid $5 initiation fees and annual dues of $3. 

Formal sailing competitions began in 1895 between the White Bear and Minnetonka clubs. On Aug. 24, 1897, the Inland Lake Yachting Association was formed between WBYC and nine other yachting clubs. Today, the association continues to honor its heritage in governing competitive sailing and creating a strong camaraderie among the sailing community.

1912 | golf is added

Many of the sailors who founded WBYC were also avid golfers and tennis players. In 1899, the club added two clay tennis courts and remodeled the clubhouse to accommodate its membership. Then in 1912, the first nine holes of the Golf Course opened for play. Several years later, the second nine opened for play.

building a legacy

Over the years of WBYC's history, famed golfers, such as Tom Vardon and Jimmy Johnston, have helped shape the legacy we've built. Tom Vardon, brother of Six-Time British Open Champion Harry, served as one of the original Golf Professionals from 1916-1937. Jimmy Johnston, a Minnesota Native and six-time Walker Cup participant, grew up playing at WBYC and is best known as the first golfer to win the U.S. Amateur west of the Mississippi, hosted at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 1929. He went on to beat Dr. O.F. Willey 4&3 in the final match.