Architect Pete Dye doesn’t build run-of-the-mill golf courses. His designs are sought out nationwide by golfers looking for the most innovative and demanding layouts the game has to offer. A Dye course becomes a destination unto itself.
So when Ken Wang — brother of the famed fashion designer Vera Wang — set out to build something special on his land in Westchester County, he opened up the purse strings and brought Dye to New York for Dye’s first Empire State design.
Wang’s vision means that within an hour’s drive of Manhattan, area golfers have the opportunity to experience a Pete Dye masterpiece without boarding a plane. Pound Ridge Golf Club captures many of the characteristics that make Dye famous. It’s tough, it’s visually intimidating, there’s plenty of risk-reward and the mounding, elevation change and bunkers are jaw-dropping.
In the short time the course has been open, Pound Ridge has piled up accolades, most notably a ranking by Golf Magazine as the No. 2 course on its 2008 “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play” list and the No. 4 spot on Golf Digest’s 2009 “Best New Public” list.
Pound Ridge isn’t going to replace your local municipal track, given its weekend walk-in rates of $235. However, the course has weekday advance rates of $155 and $105 after 3 p.m., and weekend advance rates of $195 and $150 after 3 p.m., making it more accessible for those looking to take on the legendary Dye.
YOU KNOW PETE
Some of the most famous golf courses designed by architect Pete Dye:
» TPC at Sawgrass (Fla.)
» Harbour Town Golf Links (S.C.)
» Kiawah Island Ocean Course (S.C.)
» Whistling Straits (Wisc.)
» Casa de Campo Teeth of the Dog (Dominican Republic)
» PGA West Stadium Course (Calif.)
» Bulle Rock Golf Course (Md.)
» Paiute Golf Club Resort (Nev.)
