Elmsford, New York (June 6, 2017) – Knollwood Country Club recently reopened for member and guest play after completing the final phase of an extensive course restoration this past fall and winter. The restoration of the historic A.W. Tillinghast, Seth Raynor and Charles Banks-designed course was overseen by Ontario, Canada-based golf course architect Ian Andrew.
Andrew and the Knollwood team actually began working on the entire course restoration plan in 2010. The project began in 2011 when the 16th green was restored and has continued intermittently since. During this final phase of the course restoration, which took place this past fall and winter, changes were made to bunker locations and bunker reshaping, tree removal and fairway/target-line changes. The new bunkers are now flat-bottomed, are surrounded by sloping-grass walls and are similar to the bunkers Raynor originally had built at Knollwood. In addition, irrigation issues around greens were also addressed.
Before one spade of dirt was turned, Andrew poured over Raynor’s original plans and sketches as well as Banks’ construction notes. The club’s archives also yielded an aerial photograph taken in the middle of construction in 1926.
“The course definitely looks and plays different than it has in the past,” said Bob Miller, head golf professional at Knollwood Country Club for the past 32 years. “The intent of the restoration was to adapt the design concepts of Raynor and Banks to the modern game currently being played by Knollwood members. We’re thrilled with the outcome and look forward to showing the course off to members and guests this summer.”
About Knollwood Country Club
Knollwood Country Club is located in renowned Westchester County. The 18-hole golf course was completed in 1894, making it the oldest private club still in its original location in the United States. Knollwood was also one of the first 15 clubs to join the USGA and iconic golfers frequented the club, including Francis Ouimet and Bobby Jones. The original golf course was designed by Lawrence Van Etten. In 1924, the club hired A.W. Tillinghast to expand the golf course. At Tillinghast’s direction, the club purchased an additional 50 acres of adjacent land which was ultimately redesigned by Seth Raynor to add approximately 1,000 yards in length. Raynor passed away before the course was completed, so Charles Banks finished the project. The present-day course will play 6,552 yards from the championship tees. Knollwood’s 18th hole has been named to Met Golfer’s “Dream 18” as one of the finest holes in the greater New York area. The current 9th green remains from Van Etten’s earliest course.
Knollwood Country Club is a Troon Privé-managed club. Members at Troon Privé clubs enjoy additional benefits outside of their club membership, including: the Troon Advantage program in which full golf members can take advantage of special rates at participating Troon-managed facilities worldwide; and the Troon Privé Privilege program in which full members at Troon Privé clubs have the opportunity to play at other Troon Privé private clubs for the host club’s cart-fee rate.
For information on how to become a member or to book a private event or golf outing, contact Knollwood Country Club at (914) 592-7411 or visit www.kccclub.org.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company, with more than 270 golf courses in its portfolio. Also specializing in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues, the company oversees operations at Troon Golf, Honours Golf, Troon Privé (the private club operating division of Troon) and Troon International properties located in 36 states and 31 countries. Additionally, there are 57 Troon affiliated properties featuring 79 courses that have been recipients of a “Top 100” ranking by national and international publications. Troon properties include Princeville Makai Golf Club, Kauai, Hawaii; Centurion Club, London, England; Indian Wells Golf Resort, Indian Wells, Calif.; Els Club Desaru Coast, Malaysia; and Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa, Calif. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
