YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Country Club’s clubhouse and golf course have been added to the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

The National Register of Historic Places is a list that deems historical places worthy of protection, according to a news release from the club.

The Youngstown Country Club, which is 125 years old, is the oldest golf club in Mahoning County.

“Designation on the National Register is the result of the hard work of many members and staff, who invested countless hours into this endeavor, and for whom the Club is sincerely grateful,” club President Scott Schulick said.

“This distinction recognizes how the history and members of our club are deeply connected to the history of the industrial, cultural and social complex of the Youngstown area. Members of the Youngstown Country Club share an experience that is unique from all other clubs in our region.”

The club’s golf professional Scott Sundstrom said he is proud to be part of a club with a rich history.

“What a great honor for the Youngstown Country Club to be recognized as a place of National Historic Designation,” he said. “The combination of having numerous golf professional exhibitions, hosting numerous events from USGA (United State Golf Association), NOGA (Northern Ohio Golf Association), OGA (Oregon Golf Association), and the NOPGA (Northern Ohio Professional Golf Association) and hosting the 1925 Western Open have made YCC a truly special place.

“In addition, YCC is known for Col. John Morley. He was a former golf course superintendent that formed the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. I am honored to be affiliated with a place that has only had a handful of PGA golf professionals in its 125-year history.”

Member relations director Joseph LaRocca said he is “very honored to be a part of the esteemed and prestigious traditions here at YCC.

“For the Youngstown Country Club to now be a part of the National Register of Historic Places as of Feb. 5, is very heartwarming and emotional to the entire LaRocca family, who have been involved here since the 1960s and have had deep roots with all aspects of the club,” he said.

“To be a part of the most grandeur clubhouse in the world, we are so ecstatic for all the members of the club who have been a huge part of our family for years.”