Purchase, New York
With Golden Age bloodlines and major modern architectural touches, Old Oaks challenges every club in your bag. Not just a pretty face, it's the rare classic that can still bite back after nearly a century. Regionally, it's a must-play among serious golfers—if you ever get the chance.
Ask a member to show you the exact spot where Barry Jaeckel started his course-record 63 in U.S. Open qualifying—it’s become a quiet point of pride for the club.
Old Oaks Country Club blends the strategic minds of Tillinghast, Colt, and Allison across rolling Westchester topography, with a seamless melding of classic risk/reward angles, blind shots over crested fairways, and greens that demand genuine artistry. Major modern renovations by Ken Dye and Rees Jones have lengthened the test, rebuilt every bunker, and restored vital Golden Age strategies, ensuring that the course challenges today's power game without losing its cohesive, heritage-rich feel. Every round is a navigation of parkland cunning—subtle land movement, ambiguous lines, and green sites that reward thoughtful shotmaking.
A rare blending of Tillinghast’s vision with Colt & Allison’s execution, modernized by Rees Jones for today’s game.
A strong par-5 early in the round that tempts big hitters to bite off more with the second shot over significant hazards. Birdie is in play for those who position themselves wisely, but a stray second can quickly bring bogey into play.
Weigh up the risk of going for the green in two—the layup sets up a comfortable wedge, but the aggressive line tempts eagles and disaster alike.
Out-of-position approaches risk bunkers and challenging recoveries, with trouble lurking around the layup zone.
Expect top-tier, tournament-ready conditioning, especially on greens and bunkers; recent renovations ensure lush and consistent playing surfaces.
Typical for a high-end private: unrushed but efficient, with most groups moving quickly under member protocols.
Classic private club ambiance—quiet, exclusive, and tradition-rich with little non-golf commotion.
The newly rebuilt greens are quick, with subtle breaks—spend extra time on the practice green before teeing off.
Elevated holes and crested land mean the wind swirls more than you’d expect—pick clubs carefully, especially on par 3s.
Though often walked, the course's undulations can challenge the unprepared—good shoes and ready legs advised.
As a strictly private club, outside access is rare—secure your invitation well ahead of time.
Club founded as Progress Country Club
Course constructed by Colt, Allison & Tillinghast
Merged with Oak Ridge Country Club and renamed Old Oaks Country Club
Hosted Metropolitan Open
Ken Dye renovation adds length, updates bunkers
Rees Jones oversees complete bunker rebuild
The course sits on land designed by Tillinghast, built by Harry Colt and C.H. Allison—a trio responsible for some of the world’s most strategic layouts. Modern work by Rees Jones added playability while maintaining bite for low-handicappers and tournament play.
Old Oaks was born from a unique 1935 merger between Progress Country Club and Oak Ridge, cementing its legacy as a cultural and golfing mainstay for the New York metro Jewish community and beyond.
Like many storied Golden Age clubs, Old Oaks lost part of its original layout—one former course section now lies beneath the interstate. Yet the club adapted, keeping its architectural core intact for future generations.
Old Oaks has played host to many top-level events, including the Metropolitan Open, USGA qualifiers, and MGA championships, with Barry Jaeckel’s course-record 63 in U.S. Open qualifying a celebrated highlight.
Old Oaks' clubhouse is the restored mansion of the George W. Lyon estate.
The club lost part of its original 27 holes to Interstate 684 construction.
It is one of the few clubs in the country with direct construction ties to Tillinghast, Colt, and Allison.
Barry Jaeckel set the course record with a 63 during U.S. Open qualifying in 1987.
Recent renovations by Rees Jones continue a near-century tradition of design excellence.
Pete Dye's public masterpiece in the region—challenging and scenic, open to all.
The region’s most famous major venue and Tillinghast’s crown jewel.
Another Tillinghast classic—highly ranked and revered for its routing.
Superb parkland layout; big on history and Golden Age feel.
Solid muny option in White Plains for public-access golf, just minutes away.
Stay in White Plains for the broadest access, dining, and easy drives to the region’s premier courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Old Oaks Country Club is your kind of course, North Shore Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Peachtree Golf Club is a natural next stop after Old Oaks Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Franklin Hills Country Club is a natural next stop after Old Oaks Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Major championship host; widely acclaimed
Famous public major venue
Rich in championship pedigree
Top private club in New York
Community Sentiment
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