The 'Cardiac Hill' Finisher
The 18th once played as a daunting uphill par five, earning its nickname 'Cardiac Hill.' Tillinghast reworked it into today's formidable par four finisher, which still tests every ounce of resolve coming home.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Wykagyl Country Club
New Rochelle, New York
Forgotten ClassicHistoric architecture that deserves another look.
Established
1898
Architect
Lawrence Van Etten (original); Donald Ross (1919); A.W. Tillinghast (early 1930s); Coore & Crenshaw (2006 renovation)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,693 – 6,702 yds
The verdict
Classic Westchester with architectural pedigree
Wykagyl Country Club delivers a Golden Age Westchester experience defined by world-class greens and strategic demands. While strictly the domain of members and their guests, it is a treat for architecture aficionados and region-bound golf purists.
Course DNA
Difficulty
81
Scenery72
Conditioning82
Shot Variety85
Walkability70
Green Complexity94
Wow Factor78
Design Quality90
At a glance
Quick facts
Original Founding Year
1898 (as Pelham CC; moved to current site in 1905)
Major Renovation
Coore & Crenshaw, 2006
Famous Green
7th, called 'most severely tilted' by Links Magazine
Region
Lower Westchester, 15 miles NE of Manhattan
Blind Tee Shots
Key trait on par 3s & 4s
Uphill Finisher Nickname
"Cardiac Hill"
Named For
Local Native American tribe
Stretch to Remember
4th–6th among most admired sequences
The design
The architecture
Wykagyl is a testament to the evolution of Golden Age design, blending Van Etten’s original corridors with Donald Ross’s emphasis on strategic angles and Tillinghast’s signature routing drama. The course’s artistry reveals itself in bold landforms, blind tee shots, and greens that demand respect. Particularly, the restored 7th green and the classic par-5 6th represent the seamless union of three great architects’ philosophies—modernized but never neutered by Coore & Crenshaw’s sensitive hand. Each hole asks for finesse, wit, and restraint, rewarding the smart play and punishing any lack of nerve.
Ross brought positional brilliance; Tillinghast imparted bold movement. Coore & Crenshaw’s restoration revitalized this historic canvas for the modern game.
Defining features
- Severely contoured, sloping greens throughout
- Frequent blind or semi-blind tee shots
- Dramatic elevation changes, especially on the front and closing holes
- Classic bunkering—both strategic and visual decoys
- Mix of reachable and unreachable par 5s
- Distinct par-3 variety (from short shots to brutes over 220 yds)
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Downhill Dogleg Hello
PAR
5
YARDAGE
537–540 yds
Wykagyl’s opener sets a dramatic, exhilarating tone—a broad downhill sweep left, framed by trees with classic cross-bunkering. This is a true shot-maker’s launch, immediately immersing you in the routing’s strategic DNA.
Play it smart
Favor the right side off the tee for the best angle in; bold plays can reach in two, but position is vital.
Where it bites
Block left and you’re stymied; flirt with bunkers on the right and you’ll pay early.
Course management
Shots to think about
Opening tee shot on 1
Favor right center for best angle; avoid over-drawing into trees left.
Blind drive on 3
Pick a confidently visual aiming point—don’t let the hill psyche you out.
Approach to 4th par 3
Short is better than long; chase the center, not the flag.
Second on 6th par 5
Lay up to favorite yardage—green contours reward smart approach zones.
Tee ball on 7th par 3
Never be above the hole; take one less club and trust your putter.
Finishing drive on 18
Keep right for best approach—left leaves uphill trouble to a sloping green.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Greens are firm, fast, and slopey; fairways manicured with distinct seasonal rough lines.
Pace
Varies with member play; strategic decisions and recovery shots can slow groups.
Vibe
Classic, understated, architecture-focused; not flashy, but highly traditional.
Dress code
Traditional country club attire expected; collared shirts and tailored slacks/shorts recommended.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Practice blind tee shots
Prepare for several blind or semi-blind drives; get comfortable trusting your lines and club selection.
02
Tighten approach game
Focus on distance control and spin with mid-irons and wedges—these greens demand precision more than raw power.
03
Bring your best putting
Quick, heavily sloped greens will test your lag and short putt nerve—prioritize speed and break on the practice green.
04
Pack traditional attire
No jeans or casual wear; classic dress is a must for both course and clubhouse.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1898
Club founded as Pelham Country Club
- 1905
Course opens at present New Rochelle location
- 1919
Donald Ross redesigns several holes
- 1994
Arthur Hills full-course update
- 2006
Coore & Crenshaw renovation and restoration
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Most Severely Tilted Green
Links Magazine declared Wykagyl's 7th green the 'most severely tilted' they've ever played, making it one of the most memorable (and intimidating) putting surfaces in the Northeast.
A Course of Layers
Every round at Wykagyl plays through eras—Van Etten’s routing, Ross’s strategic angles, and Tillinghast’s flourishes blend into one of the best 'palimpsests' of Westchester classic golf.
Hell’s Half Acre
Ross's redesign of the 12th hole included a massive central bunker, famously known as 'Hell’s Half Acre'—enough to haunt any aggressive trespasser from the fairway.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The 7th green's tilt has been compared to Augusta contours in miniature.
2
The course’s name reportedly honors a Native American tribe from the region.
3
The 18th was formerly known as 'Cardiac Hill' for its punishing uphill finish.
4
Some bunkers at Wykagyl were famous enough to earn nicknames, including 'Hell’s Half Acre.'
5
Coore & Crenshaw’s 2006 restoration revived major original corridors and green shapes.
Build the trip
If you’re orchestrating a Westchester golf adventure
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
Private
Peerless architecture and regional gold standard
Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Private
All-time Hudson Valley classic with big-shot views
Fenway Golf Club
Private
Charming, classic-era private with shot values
LaTourette Golf Course
Public municipal
Accessible round in the wider NYC area
Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses
Public municipal
Solid public fallback—casual play near the city
Lower Westchester—New Rochelle, White Plains, or Rye Brook for optimal club access
Course DNA
If You Like Wykagyl Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Plainfield Country Club
Edison, New JerseyGreen Complexity
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Plainfield Country Club makes the greens a central strategic puzzle, making it a compelling counterpart to Wykagyl Country Club.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Mountain Ridge Country Club
West Caldwell, New JerseyGreen Complexity
Why it matches: Mountain Ridge Country Club is a natural next stop after Wykagyl Country Club: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
Strong DNA Match8.2
The Country Club of Scranton
Clarks Summit, PennsylvaniaGreen Complexity
Why it matches: The Country Club of Scranton is a natural next stop after Wykagyl Country Club: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
Community Sentiment
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