On September 19th, 2023, the headlines in the Yonkers Times newspaper read, “The Summit Club Armonk Gets Approval to Build Westchester’s First Residential Golf Community.” It may not look like much right now, but in due time, things will change. For now, Summit Club consists of an 18-hole golf course and a trailer that serves as the pro shop, snack bar, and sales office.
The Club’s history is unique. It was originally named the Canyon Club and was owned by Mitsubishi, which built the property so that its local executives could play golf nearby. Community residents were allowed to join the club, yet very few did. As membership dwindled and expenses mounted, the Canyon Club fell on hard times. Real estate developer Jeffery Mendell saw an opportunity and teamed up with a couple of other investors to purchase the club. Mendell had seen the success of golf communities in Florida and Arizona and thought, “Why not Westchester, NY?” Finally, more than 12 years later than planned, zoning and building permits have been approved, and it’s full steam ahead!
The Summit Club sits on 156 acres of prime real estate in Armonk, NY; the golf course occupies 130 acres. The remaining 26 acres will be used for residences, 72 units across 6 buildings. These residences will range from 2,535 to 3,237 square feet and feature ultramodern interior designs, extra-large private outdoor terraces with fireplaces, and tremendous golf course views and countless miles beyond. I can only imagine how beautiful those hills will look in the fall. The underground parking garage will have elevator access to each condominium and individual storage rooms/wine cellars for residents. All traffic in and out of the complex will be monitored from a 24/7 gated guardhouse.
As for the golf course, it was originally designed by Albert Zikorus and opened for play in 1961. In 2011, a fairly extensive renovation was done by Rees Jones that included the rebuilding of all fairway and greenside bunkers, redesigning three holes, updating an outdated irrigation system, and adding several tee boxes. At the time, he claimed that his course improvements “Will make The Summit Club at Armonk a place where any level of golfer can enjoy a natural landscape that offers dramatic elevation changes and stunning panoramic views of the New York countryside.” After playing the course just once, I agree!
Jones has done a great job incorporating many of the land’s natural features – lakes, marshlands, and tall fescue grasses – into the layout to make it more challenging and give it character. You’ll encounter significant elevation changes in both directions as you play your way around the course, prompting you to use every club at your disposal.
The first hole at The Summit Club at Armonk is at one of the highest elevation points of the course and presents tremendous views of several surrounding holes. The second hole is a dogleg right that plays 355 yards and considerably downhill; it’s named Fade Away for good reason. Play your tee shot well left of the large trees on the right side; otherwise, you’re likely to find the long grass but not your ball. You may be able to hit something less than driver off the tee because of the slope of the hole, but it’s almost a 200-yard carry to find the fairway. A good line off the tee is the tree line on the left. If you hit a good drive with a little fade, you can get to the bottom of the hill just short of the green. Two white sand bunkers guard either side in front of the green. It’s a great hole to make up an early stroke!
Number 6 is the first par 3 on the golf course and well worth the wait! From the Blue Tees, it plays 185 yards with bunkers in front to take away the bump-and-run. The green isn’t that deep but has some great undulation and character. It’s slightly elevated, and anything that rolls off will leave a delicate up and down.
The 7th hole is a 390-yard par 4 dogleg left with an interesting twist – a right-sloping fairway! For most players, the approach shot will be uphill and blind onto a triangular-shaped green.
The back nine starts with a short and interesting par 4 playing 315 yards from the Blue Tees. You’ll tee off from an elevated tee box downhill with sand traps on either side of the landing area. Your approach shot plays straight uphill into a large green with a false front. Hit it short, and it can easily roll back to where you are – or worse!
Number 14 is a very pretty 500-yard, par 5 that plays dead straight with out-of-bounds and an expressway on the right. Westchester Magazine has recognized #14 as one of the great new golf holes among the county’s recently improved or renovated courses. If you’re a long ball hitter, beware of the marshlands on the left. There’s a large fairway bunker on the right side in the landing area of your tee shot and a few others on the left side of the landing area for your layup shot. Two good shots will leave a short pitch into an elevated green that is a lot wider than it is deep. There’s also a rock-lined creek about 50 yards short of the green that can’t be seen from the fairway.
The finishing hole at The Summit Club at Armonk is a 485-yard, par 5 that plays uphill the entire way and has a very narrow fairway. There are trees on either side of the landing area if you spray it off the tee, and a fairway bunker on the left side about 110 yards short of the green in the landing area of your layup shot. The elevated green is protected by four bunkers in front. It’s a very challenging – but fair – finishing hole.
Although space is limited within the temporary trailer, you can still find a good selection of logoed Summit Club golf gear, including hats, polos, outerwear, towels, tools, and more. Currently, there aren’t a lot of options for food. Chef Jose and his on-site food truck offer tantalizing food after your round, or you can simply grab a beer and relive the good and the bad with friends.
The Summit Club is all about raising the next generation of golfers, and PGA Director of Golf and Instruction Michael Davis is at the helm. Davis seamlessly melds traditional teaching methods with cutting-edge technology. He’s dedicated to helping young golfers reach their potential and make a positive impact through the game. As a Member, your kids can take part in PGA Junior Camps, instructional lessons, and a whole lot more.
The Club also pays special attention to Ladies and Seniors, offering instruction, friendly competition, and a chance to meet new playing partners and develop new friendships. Special programs have been put together for both seniors and ladies.
The Summit Club in Armonk isn’t your grandfather’s country club; there are no social demands or the staunch bureaucracy you’ll find at many traditional New York clubs, and there never will be! What you’ll find are superb playing conditions, ostentatious attention to detail, and respect for all. You’re pretty much free to do as you please – within legal and moral bounds!
The Summit Club at Armonk offers several membership plans to meet everyone’s needs and budgets. A Full Golf Membership gives you, your spouse, and any children under 24 unlimited access to the course, driving range, and practice area from Tuesday to Sunday. You’ll receive priority tee times, complimentary golf lessons, flexible guest privileges, and many other benefits. All Members have access to Palmer Advantage Privileges, giving you elite privileges in golf, travel, and entertainment worldwide. The network includes 300 clubs scattered across North America, complimentary greens fees at 125+ courses, and access to top venues through exclusive Member golf days. Contact the pro shop to check on other Membership categories such as Founding Member and Legacy Member.
When you become a Member of The Summit Club at Armonk, you’re securing your future in what is destined to become one of the elite clubs in the area. For more information on membership or what the club will look like down the road, visit them online at www.thesummitclub.net or www.summitclubresidences.com