Ancient in that it is one of the oldest games known to man, its exact beginnings lost in the midst of time. But durable as only a grand sport played in pleasurable surroundings could be. 

Honorable in that it is the remaining sport in which the competitors must govern their own actions. Without honor, it does not exist as a viable game. Caves Valley is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the game as a source of pleasure for our members and their friends. The Club rejects the idea — which pervades so much of sport in our time — that standards must be lowered and boorish behavior tolerated on our grounds. 

But why Maryland? And why now? 

Maryland because it truly is the land of pleasant living. With its rolling hills and lush valleys, it offers a golfer's dream of challenge and reward. Now because a dedicated group of Maryland business and professional leaders (native-born and adopted as well) had a grand vision. We would create a course open to successful, mobile, interesting people of many different backgrounds. 

And we would honor the grand traditions of the game. Amateurs would be recognized as the backbone of golf. The rules of the United States Golf Association would be honored. The Club would hold itself out to be a repository for the legacy of the past. Given the magnificent confluence of land, sky and skill, which produced this course and club, we would be remiss if we failed to take our custodianship seriously. And we do intend to protect the qualities which attracted us to this place initially. 

Many participated in the initial development of Caves Valley. All were guided by the unified goal of preparing a course and club which would revere the basics of the game: Sportsmanship, camaraderie, enjoyment of the outdoors, conviviality in the clubhouse, excellence in service. 

A hundred years from now, when men and women gather on this high ground in the rolling hills of Maryland, we hope they will conclude that we built an enduring foundation for golf played by those who love the game.

Reg Murphy, on behalf of the Board of Directors, July 1991