Elmsford, New York
Knollwood is a living slice of American golf history, cherished for its vintage design pedigree and vibrant club culture. While it doesn't draw national pilgrimage, its restored Raynor/Banks template holes and evocative routing make it a must-visit for architecture devotees in New York. The experience oozes nostalgia, with demanding par 4s, storied moments, and a course layout honed by legends.
Ask a member about the club’s famed 19th hole, once used as the LPGA tournament finisher—a quirky bit of Knollwood lore you won’t want to miss.
Knollwood is a living museum of Golden Age design, where a tapestry of great minds—Van Etten, Tillinghast, Raynor, Banks—left indelible marks. The parkland routing glides across rolling terrain, animated by Raynor and Banks' famous templates: geometric greens, sweeping angles, bold bunkering, and restored features that demand creative thinking. Recent restoration revived lost architectural details, making every approach and green complex a distinct test, especially for players who relish position and nuance over brute strength.
Few clubs can claim such an assemblage of Golden Age architects; Knollwood’s modern presentation is a tribute to Raynor/Banks, freshened and honored by Ian Andrew’s thoughtful hand.
A long, brawny par 4 that sits squarely in the heart of the course's Raynor-influenced stretch. The tee shot is intimidating, with mature trees shaping the fairway and a second shot to a perched green framed by bunker teeth.
Favor the left side off the tee for a better angle, but a strong and precise approach is a must to find the deep green.
Miss short or right and you’re staring at sand and a tough recovery — par often feels like a victory here.
Private club-level conditioning, with carefully restored classic bunkers and fast, nuanced greens.
Traditional member pace, generally steady; some waits possible on weekends or after events.
Historic exclusivity—mix of understated legacy and architectural geek-out for those in the know.
Standard private club attire—collared shirts and no denim.
Read up on Raynor and Banks’ classic designs to enjoy the depth of the restored features.
Success here depends on position play—strategy often trumps power.
Spend extra time reading putts on approach—nestled contours and restored edges can undo careless play.
Knollwood Country Club founded by New York businessmen.
Original 18-hole course opens, designed by Lawrence Van Etten.
Historic clubhouse fire leads to eventual property expansion.
Major redesign completed by Seth Raynor (posthumously) and Charles Banks.
Club hosts the Metropolitan Open.
Restoration by Ian Andrew restores Raynor/Banks style bunkers and greens.
Knollwood takes pride as one of the oldest American clubs never to change address; every generation since 1894 has teed off on hallowed ground. The course routes through the same rolling Westchester property that hosted pre-turn-of-the-century matches and bold architectural experiments.
Ian Andrew’s 2010s restoration reignited Raynor and Banks’ geometric bunkers and angled greens, breathing life into some of the purest template holes in New York. What once faded into the property now pops with classic strategies and bold contours.
In the 1980s, Knollwood’s '19th' hole became legendary when the LPGA routed their tournament finish onto it, creating a dramatic and unusual conclusion that still sparks conversation among club historians. This bit of tournament flair lingers in stories about the course’s eventful past.
Renowned for never having changed property since 1894
Restoration revived several Raynor/Banks template greens and bunkers
Hosted LPGA events with a uniquely routed finishing hole
Once rebuilt after a devastating clubhouse fire
Features both brisk scoring holes and long, punishing par 4s
Championship pedigree and rich tournament history
One of NY’s most acclaimed classic-era courses
Immaculate Raynor/Banks design with great greens
Legendary public major venue, brute challenge
Accessible, fun Westchester muni option for all golfers
White Plains, NY—best hub for private and public access
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Mark Bostick Golf Course at the University of Florida a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Knollwood Country Club.
Why it matches: If Knollwood Country Club is your kind of course, Twin Hills Golf & Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: If Knollwood Country Club is your kind of course, Seminole Golf Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Raynor classic, ranked top-20 nationally
Raynor Golden Age icon
Banks/Raynor masterpiece
Banks-designed Westchester neighbor
Banks (Raynor routing) elite
Community Sentiment
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