Organized on September 25, 1894 and incorporated July 22, 1895, Knollwood was one of the first golf clubs formed in this country. In 1890, Augustus T. Gillender, a prominent New York attorney, purchased seventy-five acres of farmland in Westchester County. By 1891, he had begun plotting property sites, grading and macadamizing the streets, constructing sewers, laying water mains, and erecting a club house. He named the grounds Knollwood in deference to its picturesque location overlooking a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. His vision: to convert the property into a self-contained, exclusive community fashioned after Tuxedo Park, complete with country club facilities.

In 1926, the club acquired additional property bringing the total to 135 acres. A.W. Tillinghast, Seth Raynor, and Charles Banks, internationally known golf course architects, redesigned the course and inaugarated in 1927.

In December of 1954, Knollwood’s signature 18th hole was unanimously selected by a committee of golfing officials and title holder as, “One of the finest golf holes in the New York area.” A 19th hole, 123 yard par 3 was added in 1928 that was so well conceived, the L.P.G.A. substituted the 8th hole and used the 19th as the finishing 18th hole during their Mastercard Tournaments of 1985 and 1986.


The clubs’ practice facilities include a short game practice center with fairways, bunkers and greens, a screened driving range measuring 240 yards.