By Dan Murphy
For families in Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties looking for a full service country club that offers golf, swimming and activities and programs for kids, there a very few options. But one option available is the Hollow Brook Golf Club, located in Cortlandt Manor, which we had the pleasure of visiting and playing recently.
The course is in top shape as we teed off on April 22. The 6,923 yard layout offers several different tees for golfers of any handicap. Designed and built by Eric Bergstol, Hollow Brook Golf Club sits on 250 picturesque acres, and provides golfers with some of the most dramatic elevation changes.
The challenging and unique 6,923 yard layout, provides golfers with a combination of classic Westchester style holes, with dramatic elevation changes on other holes.
My favorite Hollow Brook holes are the 5th, a 100-yard, downhill par-3, and the 18th, a classic Par four with the 22,000 square foot clubhouse in the background. Challenging holes include the 10th and 11th, which circle around a lake that was used decades ago as a private swim club and recreational park called Lakeland Acres. Both holes require a good tee shot and have waste traps surrounding the fairways.
Director of Golf Phil Eyre has been working at Hollow Brook Golf Club since 2007 and manages the golf operations and the golf shop, and teaches golfers of all ages and abilities, including a notable young golfers program. For the family looking for a place that will teach their young golfer, consider Hollow Brook and Eyre, who is originally from England, and who teaches the “complete game.”
Eyre makes sure that everyone is comfortable, and says Hollow Brook offers “an extended family atmosphere.” “Hollow Brook is a hidden gem that peopledon’t know about. We are super family friendly and very laid back. The golf course is one of the best tests of your golf game in our area. It never plays the same two days in a row, because of the wind. We welcome golfers of all ages and abilities.”
Eyre said the front nine and closing holes play like a New England course, while holes 10-12 have a South Carolina feel. It’s a golf course that you will rarely see in the Northeast. Three stately bridges cross the waterways, which include a crystal clear trout stream that runs through the property.
The seclusion of the holes 13-16, adjacent to the Cortlandt walking Trails, gives you a scenic feel of sanctuary more like the Catskills. Three stately bridges cross the waterways, which include a crystal clear trout stream that runs through the property.
The course is walker friendly. A large outdoor swimming pool completes the package for the Westchester or Putnam family looking for a recreational getaway close to home. And all of the amenities of a country club are available at Hollow Brook.
Because of its natural beauty and large, modern clubhouse, Hollow Brook is also a perfect venue for your wedding, special occasion, or golf outing. Testimonials include, “A dream wedding” and “absolute perfection.”
The history of Hollow Brook before the course was build includes ownership by the Sisterhood of Saint Mary for one half of the property, with the other half the location for the Hollow Brook Drive in Movie Theater up to the 1970’s.
My round at Hollow Brook reminded me of what a different and unique course awaits you in Northern Westchester. For the Westchester family looking to spend time this summer outdoors, Hollow Brook is worth a visit to see what its all about. Visit golfhollowbrook.com or call 914-734-1500 for more information.
