Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Scarborough, NY • Private
Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Jon Cavalier
Overview
In the mid 2000s, the late George Bahto, who had extensively researched the works of legendary architect C.B. Macdonald, partnered with designer Gil Hanse to remodel Sleepy Hollow Country Club, which consisted of 11 Macdonald-designed holes and seven added in 1927 by A.W. Tillinghast. The pair persuaded the club to allow them to rebuilt the entire 18 in Macdonald’s style, reasoning that Tillinghast was well represented elsewhere in Westchester County (Winged Foot, Quaker Ridge and others) but Macdonald was not. The rebuild was done in stages, completed well after Bahto’s death in 2014. Thanks to Hanse, Sleepy Hollow now features some Macdonald “template holes,” Eden, Knoll, Leven and Road holes that weren’t even part of Macdonald’s original design. Sleepy Hollow will host the 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2019.
2023-'24 Ranking: 59th (highest).
Previous Ranking: 62nd.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked from 2013-2018, including 101st in 2017-2018.
Best in State: Ranked Top 15 in New York from 2015-2016 & since 2019; Top 20 from 1995-1999, 2011-2014, & 2017-2018; Top 25 from 2001-2009.
2023-'24 ranking: 10th.
Previous ranking: 11th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Sleepy Hollow Golf Club is the often-cited example of a perfectly executed renovation. Take an incredible course, choked by trees, shrunken greens, that has been overly manicured and watered, and expand greens, enliven bunkers and eliminate thousands of trees to open breathtaking views. We’ve all seen hundreds of photos of the 16th green with its thumbprint and views of the Hudson River, the long rustic bridges connecting the 3rd, 4th, 15th and 16th greens, and the palatial clubhouse, but beyond those incredible places, Sleepy Hollow continues to shine brightly. I was wonderfully surprised throughout the round of other locations that stood out, the cadence between the 8th to 12th holes feel like a roller coaster that is careening down the tracks. The native area that the holes straddle adds just the right amount of visual juxtaposition to the perfectly conditioned fairways and greens. The combined green complex of 7 & 14 does a lovely job connecting both the front and back as well as the main paddock before starting the exceptional finish of 15-18. What ends up being a truly enjoyable course with tons of option and challenge is only belayed by the dearth of similar shorter length par-4s. Six holes are between 417-433 yards, and two more in the 440s. Comparing it to other golden-age masterpieces in the area, Sleepy Hollow’s lack of distance on the par 4s stops it from being a truly championship experience. With that being said, I thoroughly was smitten with Sleepy Hollow, it absolutely lived up to the hype created by its beauty. It was a challenging, fun, characteristic course with a ton of variety and options."
Read More2024
Review
“Spectacular views of the Hudson River, which provide a dramatic natural backdrop. The course thoughtfully integrates classic template holes, complemented by unique Par 3s, creating a layout that is both strategically engaging and visually captivating—a truly fun and memorable round."
Read More2024
Review
“The elevation changes, scenic views and unbelievable ground features make this a one of the top golf courses ever!"
Read More2024
Review
“The thrill of climbing up the hill to the second green and seeing where your ball ends up and what kind of treacherous chip or putt you might face… the thrill of the view from the 5th green, and then the heroic drive over the rough-hewn chasm on #6. The exhilaration of the all-world par-3 7th! The charm of the various spines, ridges, and thumbprints to navigate on those greens. The big, bold, in your face green complexes like #11 and #13 that just say “go ahead, hit a solid shot… I dare you!” The charm of the little creek meandering through the valley that bisects holes 8/9 and 11/12. These all make Sleepy Hollow a world class golf course."
Read More2024
Review
“Enormous receptive quick greens, wide fairways, some template holes, good condition, elevation changes, and good views of the Hudson River."
Read More2023
Review
“A Raynor fans dream. Template holes executed perfectly with incredible views and tons of fun."
Read More2023
Review
“The variety in hole design, influenced by the McDonald / Raynor templates, overlaid on a spectacular landscape, offers a fun round of golf. The little touches to the courses namesake, namely the bridge structures, adds a fun character."
Read More2023
Review
“WOW! Sleepy Hollow blew my mind and I haven't stopped thinking about it since my round. It's a wonderful journey across a beautiful piece of property with so many fun shots. The bridges, rock outcroppings and water features are perfect. Great variety of holes with 15 (punchbowl) and 16 (thumbprint) really standing out. The approach shot into 15 is one of the most fun shots in golf, the anticipation you have as you walk up to the blind green is exhilarating."
Read More2023
Review
“The Hanse renovation of the Macdonald/Tillinghast design was absolutely magnificent. History and old school charm transports you back into the golden age of architecture."
Read More2023
Review
“Sweeping hills with unrivaled views. Dramatic elevation changes, presented with firm, fast and true greens and fairways. A true Macdonald gem with fantastic restoration work by Gil Hanse."
Read More2022
