Staten Island, New York
Richmond County Country Club offers a members-only classic golf escape in the heart of Staten Island, rooted in more than a century of tradition. While not a national bucket-list course, its mature parkland layout, storied mansion clubhouse, and estate grounds create a charming, tightly-knit private-club experience. Expect a round that rewards precision off the tee and decisions into subtly defended greens.
Pause on the 12th fairway for a panoramic mansion view—the best estate vista on the course.
Richmond County Country Club is a classic parkland layout set atop rolling estate land, crafted originally by Robert White and refreshed over the decades with targeted renovations. With mature tree corridors, subtle elevation changes, and a mix of long par 5s and strategic short par 4s, the course rewards thoughtful risk/reward play and favors precise approaches into well-contoured greens. Recent and ongoing renovations signal a revitalization of bunkering, green complexes, and overall flow—enhancing its golden-age appeal while embracing modern standards.
Robert White’s original routing tapped the estate’s best land, while recent work by Tyler Rae and Ron Prichard focused on intensifying strategic variety and playability.
Stretching out to a daunting 240 yards from the back tees, this par 3 is one of Staten Island’s sternest single-shot tests. It demands both distance and accuracy to a green surrounded by subtle slopes and trouble long or left.
Trust your long club and aim for the fat side; a par is a true win here.
A mishit tee shot risks finding the rough or leaves a treacherous up-and-down.
Private club-level turf and fast, true greens.
Pace is brisk and managed; weekday rounds finish in under 4 hours.
Traditional, understated, and local—expect camaraderie and old-school club rituals.
Standard private club attire: collared shirts, tailored golf pants or shorts, hats forward.
Major course work is ongoing in 2025 with select green and bunker changes—expect some rerouted or freshly turfed areas.
Secure an invitation well in advance; public bookings are not available.
You’ll need a full arsenal—from hybrids for long par 3s to sharp wedges on drivable par 4s.
Richmond County Country Club is organized as a social/jockey club.
Officially incorporated; fox hunting and horses dominate early activity.
Club moves to its present-day Staten Island location.
Fox hunting traditions end as golf surges in popularity.
Permanent 18-hole course designed by Robert White is completed.
Tyler Rae and Ron Prichard renovate and modernize the course.
Major new rehabilitation plan begins, focused on tees, bunkers, and green complexes.
The stunning antebellum mansion that anchors Richmond County Country Club once belonged to Junius Brutus Alexander and has overlooked Staten Island society life since the mid-19th century. Today, it remains one of the most distinctive clubhouses in New York golf.
The club’s first decades were governed by hunt balls, society galas, and actual fox hunts—only turning its grounds over to golf as the island's sporting tastes changed. Their shift from foxhunting to golf tells the story of sporting America.
A bold new renovation launches in 2025, with the club aiming to modernize its playability and restore its strategic interest—including a complete overhaul of the 8th green and revamped bunkering for future generations. The project signals a renewed commitment to top-tier member golf.
Hosting the Staten Island Amateur links Richmond County to the local competitive scene—a tradition that cements its place as the borough’s golf epicenter.
Its antebellum mansion dates from the 1840s, making it one of the oldest clubhouses in America.
Originally a fox-hunting and equestrian club before golf took over in the early 20th century.
Staten Island’s only remaining fully private golf club.
Robert White, the course's architect, was the first president of the PGA of America.
A major, multi-million-dollar course renovation is underway starting in 2025.
Test yourself on a major championship public track only about an hour away.
Urban skyline setting and wide-open play just across the river.
Donald Ross roots and superb greens in NJ suburbia.
One of New York’s top classic private experiences.
Solid, affordable city golf option if you want to play public.
Staten Island or in Lower Manhattan for urban nightlife and quick tunnel 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. Scarsdale Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Richmond County Country Club.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Audubon Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Richmond County Country Club.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Silverado Resort North Course a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Richmond County Country Club.
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