Let's Review: Pound Ridge Golf Club

The Skinny

This is a pretty spectacular Pete Dye course that should be on every New York golfer’s list, but be prepared to lever up some cash and an extra sleeve (or three) of golf balls.

The Course

It’s probably safe to say that Pound Ridge is not going to be everyone’s favorite golf course. You’ll finally find a fairway, only to find the ball lying at knee-height on some weird undulation, or you’ll hit what you think is the perfect second shot, but soon realize the slope of the green has left you with a 40-yard flop shot that you definitely don’t have in your bag.

That said… this course is really, really fun on a good day. It’s quirky, challenging, suggestive? You won’t play the same shot twice, you’ll hit every club, and you’ll either walk away wondering when U.S. Open qualifiers are or how much your clubs could get on eBay.

The course plays at a 71.2 for men and 76.6 for women from the whites (they call them “granites”) and a very cheeky 6,261 yards. The scorecard recommends handicappers in the teens to play from here, but I’ve personally seen quite a few single-digiters get their money’s worth from here.

The Price

No shocker here, but a well-maintained public course an hour outside the city is going to run you a pretty penny. It’s probably why you can always get a tee time because primetime rates will run you over $200 a head. Pro tip is either play after 1pm when rates go sub-$180 or wait until the fall when rates drop. Personally, a cooler fall day with foliage and less traffic is the best time to visit Pound Ridge.

Signature Hole

It’s either the par-5 13th or the par-3 15th – both feature some unique natural obstacles that make this course so much fun to play.

Grabbing a Bite 

If you leave yourself 5 minutes or less before your tee time, run into the golf shop quickly, ask for a breakfast sandwich and meet them after the second hole. The shop is right by the second green, and the breakfast sandwich will revitalize you after your two triples to start the round.

If you’re responsible and leave yourself the time, Blind Charlie’s Café will set you right with an awesome pre-round breakfast.

Nice to Know

The course flexes a solid menu and bar but make sure to grab cash before going out because once you’re on the course, everything is cash only.

Also to note, (turf) range is free with your tee time, free hot coffee in the clubhouse, and GPS on the carts.

How many sleeves: 3+

I’ve legit had to drive to the pro shop and pick up a sleeve mid-round here. It’s not even that it’s so dense with hazards (it is), but the place just has a knack for eating golf balls.