Representative image Photo: Stuart Logan · CC BY-SA 2.0
Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Sleepy Hollow, New York, United States
18 Holes · Par 70 · Private club — no published green fee; play is by member invitation · Parkland
— About
About Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Sleepy Hollow Country Club stands on a 338-acre estate above the Hudson River in Westchester County, New York. The club's Upper Course is a par 70 of 6,880 yards from the back tees, and it carries the design lineage of Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor. Macdonald and Raynor laid out the original golf course in the early 1910s. A.W. Tillinghast later extended the layout to 27 holes, and Gil Hanse restored the course in the 2000s, clearing trees to reopen views of the river. The result is a layout that leans back toward its Macdonald roots, with a short par 3 at the 16th high above the Hudson. The clubhouse, Woodlea, is a large mansion begun in 1892 that the club still uses. William Rockefeller owned the estate before the club took it over. The club has an Upper and a Lower course, and the Upper Course is the one that draws the attention. Sleepy Hollow is private, with play by invitation from a member, and no green fee is published. Visitors usually see it as a guest of a member.
- The Upper Course is a par 70 of 6,880 yards on a 338-acre estate overlooking the Hudson River.
- Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor designed the original course, which Gil Hanse later restored toward its Macdonald roots.
- Gil Hanse restored the course in the 2000s, and clearing trees opened long views over the Hudson River.
- Woodlea, the clubhouse, is a mansion begun in 1892 and now serves as the centerpiece of the club.
- A.W. Tillinghast added nine holes when the club expanded to 27, giving the property its Upper and Lower courses.
History of Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Sleepy Hollow was formed in 1911 on the Woodlea estate, which later belonged to William Rockefeller. The mansion had been begun in 1892, and the club adapted it as its clubhouse. Charles Blair Macdonald designed the golf course with Seth Raynor supervising construction, and the first holes date from the early 1910s. Later, A.W. Tillinghast extended the layout to 27 holes, adding a third nine. Much later, Gil Hanse led a restoration in the 2000s that pushed the design back toward Macdonald's original intent. Hanse's team cleared trees, which opened long views over the Hudson River valley. Today the club plays as an Upper and a Lower course, with the Upper Course carrying par 70 over 6,880 yards from the back tees.
Signature holes at Sleepy Hollow Country Club
The 16th carries the most identity at Sleepy Hollow. It is a short par 3 set high above the Hudson River, and the view across the river valley improved once the restoration cleared trees. The 7th is another par 3 on the Upper Course, so the two one-shot holes give the round a clear rhythm. Around them the course reads as a Macdonald and Raynor design, and Hanse's restoration moved the layout back toward that original style. The tree clearing is a large part of why the river valley now comes into play from more than one hole.
When to play Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Sleepy Hollow is a private club, so timing depends on a member's invitation, not on a public tee sheet, and there is no walk-up or open play at any time of year. The club has 27 holes across its Upper and Lower courses, so ask your host which one you will play and whether it is open on your dates. The club sets its own season and publishes no visitor schedule.
Playing Sleepy Hollow Country Club: tips
Sleepy Hollow is a private club, and there is no public or unaccompanied play. The realistic route onto the Upper Course is an invitation from a member, who will handle guest details. The club sits in Westchester County, north of New York City, at 777 Albany Post Road. Ask your host about the nearest airport, drive time, caddies, carts and dress, since arrangements are not published. There is no published green fee, so the cost of a round is a question for your host.
Visit Sleepy Hollow Country Club
777 Albany Post Road, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
Sleepy Hollow, New York, United States
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Can the public play Sleepy Hollow Country Club?
No. Sleepy Hollow is a private membership club and does not sell public tee times. Access is as the guest of a member, and no green fee is published.
Who designed the Upper Course at Sleepy Hollow?
Charles Blair Macdonald designed the original course with Seth Raynor. A.W. Tillinghast later extended the club to 27 holes, and Gil Hanse restored the layout in the 2000s.
What are the par and length of Sleepy Hollow's Upper Course?
The Upper Course is a par 70 playing 6,880 yards from the back tees. Shorter tees, including a white set near 6,377 yards, are also used.
Are there views of the Hudson River from the course?
Yes. The 16th is a par 3 high above the Hudson, and the river valley can be seen from other parts of the course. Hanse's restoration cleared trees to improve those views.