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Sunningdale Country Club
Architect: Seth Raynor Year: 1918 300 Underhill Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583 Phone: (914) 723-3200 Course Access: Private https://www.sunningdale.org/ |
Sunningdale Country Club
Sunningdale Country Club in Scarsdale, NY, has a rich history that reflects both its ambition to be a premier golfing destination and its commitment to evolving with the times:
Foundation and Early Years:
Sunningdale Country Club was established in November 1913, drawing inspiration from its namesake, the renowned Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England. Initially, the club leased a nine-hole course in Mount Vernon, NY, before moving to its current location in Scarsdale in 1916. This new site, a 149-acre property, had historical significance as it served as an encampment for French forces during the American Revolutionary War in 1781.
Course Development:
Upon moving to Scarsdale, the club commissioned Seth Raynor, a prominent golf course architect, to design the new course. The Overlook Golf Course, previously owned by Thomas Simpson, was integrated into Raynor's design, which opened for play in 1918. However, dissatisfaction with the course led to immediate alterations, with Walter Travis, another noted designer, being brought in to redesign several greens and tees in 1920. Despite these changes, the course still didn't meet the members' expectations, leading to further modifications by A.W. Tillinghast in 1929, focusing on rerouting and eliminating blind shots.
Modern Redesigns:
By the time of its centennial in 2013, Sunningdale had become one of the most frequently updated courses in Westchester County. Architect Mike DeVries took on a long-range plan for the club, significantly redesigning parts of the course to enhance playability and strategy. His work included new green complexes for holes like the fourth and eighth, aiming to utilize the natural landforms more effectively. This redesign was part of a broader strategy to maintain the course's prestige while adapting to modern golfing standards.
Cultural and Historical Context:
The club's name and some of its design philosophies are a nod to its British counterpart, reflecting a transatlantic influence in golf culture. The continuous updates and redesigns over the decades illustrate Sunningdale's commitment to staying relevant in the golfing world, not just preserving history but also embracing innovation in course design.
Community and Golfing Heritage:
Sunningdale Country Club has not only been a venue for golf but also a social hub for its members, reflecting the broader cultural significance of country clubs in American society. Its history intertwines with the evolution of golf in the United States, where clubs like Sunningdale have played a role in shaping the sport's development through architecture, strategy, and community engagement.
This history, pieced together from various sources, highlights Sunningdale's journey from its inception to becoming a well-regarded golfing institution in Westchester County, continually adapting to the changing landscape of golf while honoring its historical roots.
Foundation and Early Years:
Sunningdale Country Club was established in November 1913, drawing inspiration from its namesake, the renowned Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England. Initially, the club leased a nine-hole course in Mount Vernon, NY, before moving to its current location in Scarsdale in 1916. This new site, a 149-acre property, had historical significance as it served as an encampment for French forces during the American Revolutionary War in 1781.
Course Development:
Upon moving to Scarsdale, the club commissioned Seth Raynor, a prominent golf course architect, to design the new course. The Overlook Golf Course, previously owned by Thomas Simpson, was integrated into Raynor's design, which opened for play in 1918. However, dissatisfaction with the course led to immediate alterations, with Walter Travis, another noted designer, being brought in to redesign several greens and tees in 1920. Despite these changes, the course still didn't meet the members' expectations, leading to further modifications by A.W. Tillinghast in 1929, focusing on rerouting and eliminating blind shots.
Modern Redesigns:
By the time of its centennial in 2013, Sunningdale had become one of the most frequently updated courses in Westchester County. Architect Mike DeVries took on a long-range plan for the club, significantly redesigning parts of the course to enhance playability and strategy. His work included new green complexes for holes like the fourth and eighth, aiming to utilize the natural landforms more effectively. This redesign was part of a broader strategy to maintain the course's prestige while adapting to modern golfing standards.
Cultural and Historical Context:
The club's name and some of its design philosophies are a nod to its British counterpart, reflecting a transatlantic influence in golf culture. The continuous updates and redesigns over the decades illustrate Sunningdale's commitment to staying relevant in the golfing world, not just preserving history but also embracing innovation in course design.
Community and Golfing Heritage:
Sunningdale Country Club has not only been a venue for golf but also a social hub for its members, reflecting the broader cultural significance of country clubs in American society. Its history intertwines with the evolution of golf in the United States, where clubs like Sunningdale have played a role in shaping the sport's development through architecture, strategy, and community engagement.
This history, pieced together from various sources, highlights Sunningdale's journey from its inception to becoming a well-regarded golfing institution in Westchester County, continually adapting to the changing landscape of golf while honoring its historical roots.