The Sleepy Hollow Country Club is an eminent name when it comes to golf courses around the world. This has led curiosity and anticipation to surround it. Not only is it a unique property but it also holds the reputation for being a collection of famous courses known by many around the world. Showcasing their desire to host an event seven years ago, the club finally has an opportunity to welcome a sea of golfers.
The event is called the Mid-Amateur which will initiate its 42nd edition. The former president of the club voiced his excitement to get the opportunity to host such a big event on its greens. He also mentioned how lucky it feels to show off the club to some of the best golfers in the world. Now, all the eyes remain on what this beautiful ground of Sleepy Hollow Country Club has to offer, both to its golfers and the spectators.
The history of this prestigious refurbished course, Sleepy Hollow Country Club
The over a century old club was founded by Astor Rockefeller and Vanderbilt. It beautifully covers 338 acres above the Hudson river. The stately Victorian mansion right outside is an unparalleled clubhouse. Additionally, the Headless Horseman logo is visually absorbing. The orthodox design was first put forward by Charles Blair Macdonald.
Later on some of the alterations were made by A.W.Tillinghast and Robert Trent Jones who made the greens even more challenging. The only drawback was that the course seemed to be disjoint which did not provide a good footing for hosting competitions. Thus, today the club enlisted Gil Hanse and George Bahto to cultivate the ideals that have been laid out by the earlier designers.
The factor impacting the Sleepy Hollow Country Club course gameplay
The former head of the course revealed there to be a lack of continuity in the greens. While the project for the ground concluded in 2017, reviews of the new greens seemed refreshing and extremely positive. Even Bill McCarthy, the director of USGA Championship, was highly invested in the task. He himself explained how his co-host and him were throwing around club names and finally settled for this one acknowledging its history.
Sleepy Hollow currently ranks 40th on Golfweek’s Top 200 Classic Courses list overall. Nathan Smith, the Walker Cup’s future team captain, revealed how great the atmosphere and set up has been at the ground. He even called it a “perfect experience” and revealed how full of fun things have been among all his peers here.
The spoil sport played by the weather in the relaunched club
One of the participating golfers expressed to golf daily how difficult it is to handle circumstances fully out of one’s hands. While he was impressed by the course, he seemed distressed with the kind of weather they’re facing during the event. The regular downpour has made the game a challenge to be completed. Brad Tilley, a member of Sleepy Hollow, who hit a 71 before play got suspended, reasoned about rain ruining the game for which players like him have waited for 3 years.
Scott Harvey is also once again among the top contenders in the event, carding a 69 on the field on Sunday. He leads right now with a 5-under-139 in the final round. Even he seemed frustrated with the rain constantly blocking the game. While the spectators at the $200,000-$400,000 tournament seemed to find ways for the event to just start, even the sponsors looked in hope for the same. Major League Basketball and Grant Thornton, with their generous contributions, definitely were hoping for a successful game to pave the way.
The unprecedented step taken up by the Sleepy Hollow Country Club
While closing up a course can prove to be unpopular among the busy clubs, Sleepy Hollow brought forth more than 200 volunteers post that, hence resting assured it has the required support. The positive feedback also brought forth a doubt of the course hosting the prestigious events like US Amateur championship or US Women’s Amateur Championship. For any club, that is the obvious next step for national television exposure.
The former club president revealed how the conversations are in lieu of the USGA. Though, no confirmation is set as of now. Whenever the opportunity arises, the aim would be to provide an excellent tournament and for th3 players to have a good time on the greens.
