In late October of 1776, in the early stages of the Revolutionary War, Sir William Howe, Commander-in-Chief of the British armies, marched his troops up Weaver Street on his way to White Plains. Howe and his troops camped for the night on land owned by Quakers, resting for battle the next day.
As lore has it, a mile and a half away, through the woods, George Washington slumbered (near his beleaguered Continental troops) under a great oak – the same oak that grows to the right of Quaker Ridge's 10th hole.
Suzanne Jackson preparing to drive on the par four 4th hole.
The next morning, October 28th, Washington marched to Chatterton Hill in nearby White Plains, where he met Howe in battle. The British outnumbered the Colonials, and Howe emerged bloodied but victorious. However, he hesitated to pursue them, and Washington escaped across the Hudson into New Jersey. Howe had squandered a chance to quash the young rebellion.That was the first international encounter to involve Quaker Ridge.
Looking across the pond in front of the par three 5th hole.
The "Metropolitan Golf Links" was formed in 1915 with the purchase of 125 acres (similar size to Kingston Heath) of Quaker Ridge property, on which John Duncan Dunn designed and built a nine-hole golf course. In 1916, the "Golf Links" was beset by financial problems, and a small group of businessmen formed "Quaker Ridge Golf Club" and purchased the existing property. Tillinghast was commissioned to redesign 7 holes and build 11 new ones. The new course opened in 1918.
We quite regularly use the phrase "my shot was playing straight down fan" when referring to a strong downwind shot. On the 6th, I was literally playing straight down fan. These big fans are used to help cool the greens during summer, and was sweeping cool air across the green when we got there.
At the beginning of this century, Quaker Ridge’s Green Committee decided to rebuild the first green, so it would adhere to USGA green specifications as a test for the rest of the greens. That was partly an effort to eliminate most or all of the poa annua grass so it would be nearly 100 percent bent grass. The green was ripped up and reconstructed, but within two days, members of the Green Committee realized it wasn’t right. The undulations were off, and the new grass wasn’t taking.
They insisted it be redone. Again, it still wasn’t right. The Club didn’t have a suitable green there for two to three years. In 2002, they asked golf course architect Gil Hanse to remediate. “Please, just give us back what we had before,” they said. Today, all of Quaker Ridge’s putting surfaces are almost purely poa, and they roll as true, fast and smooth as ever before.
We played on what is one the most significant day for Americans, especially New Yorkers. September 11. You can see the flags at half mast, recognising the tragic losses from the horrifying events on this day, 18 years ago.
You may also see the club's suggestion box in this photo.
The green at the 10th hole, where Washington rested prior to the aforementioned battle.
The approach to the green at the par four 11th.
The par threes here are a feature. A really strong set. This is no different. The par three 13th. A beast of over 230 yards from the black tees.
The par five 14th hole, and one of the 28 bunkers that frame the fairway.
Marilyn Cookes preparing to approach the green on the par four 16th hole, with her Aussie caddy Alex watching on intently. I actually think he wasn't talking at this point, which was quite rare!
This is the view down the 17th fairway, early in the morning. The club does not have a driving range, so ingeniously utilise holes on the course to provide a practice facility. Early in the day, practice is from here, a practice tee before the start of the 17th fairway. As the day progresses, and golfers draw nearer, the range is cleared, and moved over to the 1st.
Jeff Faure ready to play down the 17th, in real time.
We were made to feel most welcome, and everybody enjoyed the gently undulating layout.
Sue Hovell really enjoyed the course, claiming the victory with a brilliant 39 points.
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