Knickerbocker was established in 1914, the original brainchild of Donald Ross, one of the best-respected golf course architects in the history of the game, and received subsequent input from Herbert Strong. Our course was lovingly restored in 2007-08 to a plan laid out by Ron Forse, a modern traditionalist who works in complete harmony with what exists to ensure relevance to today’s golfer. The re-rating and updating of slope by the USGA is testament to the success of the restoration. Golfers, club members and visitors alike, have remarked that this project has been nothing but beneficial to the Knickerbocker Country Club golf experience and that it has without doubt been taken to a new level. Even our superintendent of many years said that it was almost like moving to a new course and he had to learn over many aspects of the course.
Knickerbocker Country Club has been ranked in the top 200 Classic Golf Courses (courses opened prior to 1960) coming in at #144 in 2014 GOLFWEEK’s Best Classic Courses ranking.
The jewel in the crown is, of course the Donald Ross designed golf course, which was lovingly restored between the 2008 & 2009 seasons to ensure the continuation of Ross’s philosophy of strategy, deceptive simplicity and the pleasure of the game.
The elegant and historic clubhouse enjoys a spectacular view over a wooded valley that stretches towards the Palisades and, if the stars are properly aligned, the top of the Empire State Building can be seen from the southernmost window. That aside the club’s proximity to Manhattan is all but indiscernible: indiscernible but indispensable for club members who live in the city that never sleeps.
The beautiful Terrace overlooks the four clay tennis courts, which are busy all season long. From that vantage point the swimming pool can also be seen shimmering azure in the summer sun and al fresco diners can watch golfers practicing on the putting green or driving range. Life is good at Knickerbocker.
During the winter months the three platform tennis courts are frequented daily by an enthusiastic band of fleece clad players. Food service is year round outside of the February shutdown and the culinary brigade plies their trade with passion to provide the highest quality meals, served with care by the dedicated service staff.
Knickerbocker has it all and is truly the place to be.
