Along with the warmer temperatures, budding daffodils, and chirping peepers, another sign of spring is the reopening of two local public golf courses near Round Hill. The town-operated Griffith Harris Golf Course and the privately-owned Pound Ridge Golf Course give golfers two quality options. Both courses have hosted the Metropolitan Golf Association Public Links Championship.
“The Griff” was built in 1964 and designed by the well-known Robert Trent Jones to serve town residents. The official open date is 3/28. It is a traditional moderate length course with three tees and a par of 71 with a front nine of longer, more open fairways, while the back nine is shorter and narrower with elevation changes that demand accuracy. The course is well maintained, has a driving range, putting green, and sand trap for practice, and a restaurant operated by Cobbler North. Annual memberships for residents (adults $165 and seniors $110) receive reduced 18 hole fees (adults weekday $32 and seniors $24 vs $49 for non-members). Weekend rates are slightly higher. Riding carts for two are $37 and walking carts are $24. In addition, there are several fee-based groups providing golf handicaps and tournament participation. The experience at the course is friendly and neighborly with a casual atmosphere.
The course is located at 1323 King Street just north of Brunswick School. The website is thegriffgolf.org and the course phone is (203) 531-7200.
Pound Ridge was designed and built in 2008 by Hall of Fame course architect Pete Dye after ten years of planning and execution. It is top-rated and award-winning as one of the best public access courses in the metro area, New York state, and the country. It has received recognition from Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and other industry standards.
Pound Ridge is a par 72 modern design of undulating fairways and greens, collection areas, and forced carries with five tees to accommodate all levels of golf. Each hole presents a beautiful and unique look with rocks, wetlands, water hazards, and hills; some with challenging blind tee or approach shots. In addition to local players, it attracts others from the entire NYC area, the Northeast, and beyond. Rates in 2021 were from $150 to $225 depending on the time and day and include an electric cart with GPS and driving range balls. A restaurant provides lunch every day and a beverage cart is available on weekends.
The course is located at 18 High Ridge Road in Pound Ridge, NY (five miles north off of exit 35 on the Merritt). The website is poundridgegolf.com and the phone is (914) 764-5771. The course is closed on Tuesdays.
