HISTORY & TRADITIONS

Like-minded gentlemen, most members of the Country Club of Virginia at the time, decided to organize and participate in an annual golf trip. It was a pilgrimage of sorts, which led the participants to refer to themselves as "The Pilgrims." The group was organized in the year 1925. In 1939, a trophy was presented by one member (Dr. Robert C. Bryan) to "The Pilgrims." The first champion of the coveted cup was Brockenbrough Lamb.  With minimal exception, i.e. during WWII in 1942, the name of each champion has been inscribed on the trophy, a tradition that continues today.

 

Dr. Robert Coalter Bryan (1873-1941) was a proud member of The Pilgrims during those early years. He was a successful doctor and considered one of the finest surgeons of his day. Research has found that for the last six years of his life, Dr. Bryan was a constant sufferer of arthritis. It is thought that this greatly limited his ability to play the game he loved. On Christmas Eve, 1941, he died suddenly at his home in Richmond. Suffering such a loss, his devoted golfing Pilgrims renamed the group to commemorate their dear friend.

 

The Robert C. Bryan Golf Pilgrims continues to thrive today. A spring weekend outing takes place at an out-of-town venue each year. A second one-day outing takes place in the fall, typically at the Country Club of Virginia, followed by a formal dinner with spouses.

 

Noteworthy Traditions:

• Decorum and fair play

• Each year the champion funds a cocktail party for the entire membership

• The group is led by "the Committee"