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The St Andrews Golf Club, Historic Heart of American Golf

America’s oldest golf club, where tradition and history meet on the greens since 1888.

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Founded in 1888, The St Andrews Golf Club in Westchester, New York, is the oldest continuously operating golf club in the United States. Renowned for its rich heritage, it played a pivotal role in shaping American golf, hosting the first U.S. Amateur and Open Championships and helping found the USGA. The club blends historic charm with a vibrant golfing community, offering a unique glimpse into the sport’s early days in America.

A brief summary to The St Andrews Golf Club

  • 13 The Links, St Andrews, KY16 9JB, GB
  • +441334479799
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the John Reid Room to see historic golf memorabilia and artifacts from the club’s founding.
  • Attend one of the club’s traditional matches like the Julian Curtiss Cup to experience its rich competitive heritage.
  • Visit the Landau Library to view original documents related to the club’s and USGA’s early history.
  • Plan your visit during mild weather months for the best golfing conditions and to enjoy the outdoor setting fully.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from New York City to The St Andrews Golf Club typically takes between 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available on-site but can be limited during peak events. No parking fees apply.

  • Train and Taxi

    Take a Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal to the Yonkers station, approximately 35 to 45 minutes. From Yonkers station, a taxi ride of about 10 minutes will bring you to the club. Train fares range from $12 to $18 one way.

  • Bus and Walk

    Local bus routes serve Yonkers with stops within 1.5 km of the club. Walking from the nearest stop takes about 20 minutes over mostly flat terrain. Bus fares are approximately $2.75 per ride.

The St Andrews Golf Club location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Clear Skies

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Discover more about The St Andrews Golf Club

Founding Legacy and Early Days

Established on November 14, 1888, The St Andrews Golf Club holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously existing golf club in the United States. Its origins trace back to a humble beginning in a Yonkers pasture where Scottish immigrant John Reid and his friends played a casual round of golf over an improvised three-hole course. This pioneering group, affectionately known as the “Apple Tree Gang,” famously used an apple tree as their first clubhouse, hanging coats and a flask of Scotch whisky from its branches. This informal start laid the foundation for a club that would become a cornerstone of American golf history.

Shaping American Golf and Historic Milestones

Saint Andrew’s was instrumental in the formal organization of golf in the U.S., being a founding member of the United States Golf Association (USGA) alongside other prestigious clubs. It hosted the first U.S. Amateur and Open Championships, setting a precedent for competitive golf in America. In the 1900 Paris Olympics, club member Charles E. Sands won the first men’s Olympic golf championship, underscoring the club’s early prominence. The club’s century-long history includes hosting landmark events such as the 1988 centennial celebration of golf in America, bringing together legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Historic Clubhouse and Treasured Memorabilia

The club’s turn-of-the-century clubhouse serves as a living museum, showcasing priceless golf memorabilia that connects visitors to the sport’s formative years. The John Reid Room, named after the club’s founder, offers a warm ambiance where guests can enjoy cocktails surrounded by early golf clubs and balls, some used by Reid himself. A branch from the original apple tree remains a cherished artifact, symbolizing the club’s unique heritage. The Landau Library preserves historic documents, including handwritten minutes from the club’s founding meetings and the USGA’s creation.

Tradition, Community, and Ongoing Influence

Throughout its history, The St Andrews Golf Club has fostered a strong sense of community and tradition. The club participates in exclusive matches such as the Julian Curtiss Cup and the annual “Four Corners” match, competing with other venerable clubs over a century old. These events celebrate the club’s heritage and its ongoing role in promoting golf’s rich culture. The club continues to honor its legacy while welcoming new generations of golfers, maintaining its status as a beacon of tradition and excellence in American golf.

Golf Experience and Course Character

While the club’s historic significance is paramount, it also offers a quality golfing experience with well-maintained grounds reflecting classic links-style play. The course layout and clubhouse ambiance provide a unique blend of history and sport, appealing to golfers who value tradition alongside the game itself. The club’s atmosphere invites both serious players and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the origins of golf in America.

Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

The St Andrews Golf Club exemplifies the enduring spirit of golf, preserving its past through careful stewardship of its facilities and memorabilia. It stands as a testament to the sport’s growth from modest beginnings to a celebrated American pastime. Visitors and members alike are reminded of the club’s pioneering role and its ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant golfing community steeped in history and camaraderie.

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