Westchester County, NY, is literally the birthplace of golf in America. Now you can step through the gates of Westchester's most storied golf clubs and discover a world where golf is more than a game-it's a living history. In this richly detailed and deeply personal chronicle, veteran journalist Dave Donelson takes readers on an insider's journey across one of America's most prestigious golf landscapes. From legendary private enclaves to beloved public courses, this book unveils the traditions, characters, and unforgettable moments that have shaped Westchester into a true cradle of the sport.
Blending vivid storytelling with firsthand experience, Donelson draws on two decades of walking these fairways-playing thousands of holes, interviewing the game's stewards, and exploring the hidden corners of iconic venues like Winged Foot, Westchester Country Club, Sleepy Hollow, and more. Along the way, readers encounter the echoes of legends like Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen, while gaining rare access to the locker rooms, grillrooms, and quiet sanctuaries typically reserved for members only.
But this is more than a history book. It's a love letter to golf itself. With warmth and wit, Donelson captures the camaraderie of early morning tee times, the evolving culture of the game, and the simple joy of chasing a well-struck shot across spectacular landscapes.
Organized club by club and enriched with insights into notable holes, architectural brilliance, and local lore, this book offers something for every reader-whether you're a seasoned golfer, a casual fan, or simply someone drawn to stories of tradition and excellence. Think of it as the ultimate "buddy trip" in book form-one that takes you behind the scenes and onto the tee. You may not have played these courses... but after reading this book, you'll feel like you have.
Praise for Golf Westchester...
"If you love golf around here, you know Dave. He's been a constant presence writing-and beautifully so-about the abundance of golf in our lives. In this latest effort, he lovingly takes us on a guided tour of what I think is the greatest place to play golf in the world."
-Jimmy Roberts, NBC Sports/Golf Channel commentator, co-founder Big Swing Media
"Westchester County's golf landscape rivals any across America. Dave's tour of these courses, from golden age classics to well-trod munis, speaks not only to his expertise but to his love for how they shine. It should be on the bookshelf of anyone who has had the privilege of sticking a tee into this hallowed ground."
-Hank Gola, President Metropolitan Golf Writers Association, Author of Ryder Cup Rivals: The Fiercest Battles for Golf's Holy Grail
"Dave Donelson has been a trusted voice in the Met Area golf scene for more than two decades. A standout writer for Westchester Magazine, The Met Golfer, and beyond, he is undeniably one of the very best in his craft. Dave is a truly talented writer and has captured many important stories and moments that define golf throughout our region."
-Brian R. Mahoney, Executive Director/CEO Metropolitan Golf Association
"Westchester County is home to some of the greatest golf clubs in the world, while also serving hundreds of thousands of public golfers each year. The area has hosted golf's major championships, survived a global pandemic, and has unheralded bright spots hidden in its corners. From iconic moments in golf's history to lighthearted human interest stories, Dave Donelson has been there to cover it all."
-Jeff Vorheis, PGA, Executive Director, Metropolitan Section PGA
