By Dan Murphy
The Summit Club at Armonk celebrated the official grand opening of its Rees Jones renovated 18-hole golf course with a ribbon cutting ceremony and inaugural tournament for members and invited guests on July 24. The course is phase one of a comprehensive master plan that will include extensive recreational and fitness amenities, a new clubhouse and 73 luxury condominium residences.
The masterful transformation of the former Brynwood Golf & Country Club gives area golfers the opportunity to play a first-class Jones design by joining this new brand of club that has been styled as “the private club experience reimagined.”
The golf course presents a good test for golfers of all handicaps and will play to 6,700 yards from the back tees to a par of 71. The par-5 14th hole already has been recognized by Westchester magazine as one of the great new golf holes among the county’s recently improved or renovated courses.
“The extensive golf course improvements will make The Summit Club at Armonk a place that all levels of golfers can enjoy in a natural landscape that offers dramatic elevation changes and stunning panoramic views of the New York countryside,” said Rees Jones.
This reporter has played this course under prior owners, including when it was the Canyon Club. My recent 18-hole round was enjoyable, and the changes made by Jones were noticeable and added to the experience.
The most significant course improvements include three new holes on the back nine, the rebuilding of all fairway and greenside bunkers along with the adjustment of some bunker locations to give players additional shot options. Several greens complexes were added in order to provide new greenside chipping areas, and a number of landing zones were created on a few holes to improve their playability.
“We are pleased with the responses we have heard from the golfers and how much they are enjoying the changes and improvements to The Summit Club at Armonk,” remarked Jones, who has also redesigned Bethpage Black, Montauk Downs, and Pinehurst #7. “Our objective was to bring the golf experience to a level that complements the natural beauty of the site and stunning views of the countryside.”
What Jones did not do, to his credit, was to tear up a golf course that deserved to be preserved. Instead he added to a classic Westchester layout with his signature, trademarks, inlcuding additional bunkers and higher rough, making The Summit Club a course that requires hitting the right club to the correct location, or else you will be in the sand or high grass.
All of the changes make it a fair test, more in line with county clubs in the region. The greens are rolling nicely and the course is ready for your visit. The last 5 holes are a tough but fair challenge for the average golfer. The golf range and practice facilities were also upgraded and a new short game area was added.
“The Summit Club at Armonk represents a visionary rebranding of the traditional country club and will appeal to new members as the golf lifestyle reimagined,” said Jeffrey B. Mendell, Managing Partner. “The Summit Club will be a 21st century lifestyle community with golf, tennis, fitness and wellness within a resort-like environment. Members will enjoy first class hospitality and services similar to being on a great vacation without leaving home.”
The Summit Club at Armonk has several special membership opportunities for every age group and for residents in Armonk, and throughout Westchester, Putnam and Connecticut.
In addition to the renovated golf course, The Summit Club at Armonk plans on offering exceptional amenities that will open in phases over the next few years. A temporary reception center, pro shop and outdoor dining terrace are now operational. Future plans include a pool, fitness center and casual dining breaks ground later this year. The new clubhouse and tennis courts are expected to commence construction in 2023.
“The Summit Club is being designed as a 21st century lifestyle community with a focus on golf, tennis, fitness and wellness within a resort-like environment,” said Jeffrey B. Mendell, Managing Partner. “Our orientation is to make golf more fun and less stuffy.”
For more information, visit www.thesummitclub.net. For membership inquiries, contact Membership Director Leslie Dixon at ldixon@thesummitclub.net or call (914) 273-9300.
