Westchester Hills Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, NY, celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Saturday, September 28th with a Gatsby-themed Gala.

Both Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach were on hand to offer congratulations and to present the Club with proclamations announcing September 28, 2013 as Westchester Hills Day in the County and in White Plains.

County Executive Rob Astorino and Club President Mike Daly

More than 220 members attended the celebration at the Club which included a cocktail hour on the first tee and a celebratory dinner dance which continued into the early morning hours.

Club President Mike Daly, a White Plains resident, delivered brief remarks congratulating various committees responsible for organizing the Centennial Gala before introducing the County Executive and the Mayor.

Westchester Hills was established in 1913 by Robert E. Farley who was the developer of Gedney Farms and the Gedney Farm Hotel. The construction of the Golf Course was supervised by Peter Clark, a Scot, who became the Club’s first golf professional. The first 9 holes were completed in October 1913, the final 18 holes in July 1915.

Recently, a member funded major reconstruction of the Clubhouse, patio and entrance way was completed resulting in an increase of membership and an increase in participation in Club activities.
The Clubhouse was renovated from floor to ceiling revealing a fireplace, which had been covered over years ago, and vaulted ceilings which had also been covered. The Patio was expanded and an outdoor service area was added.

Westchester Hills rolling and tree lined fairways remain much as they were 100 years ago and have some of the smallest putting greens in the County and beyond. As part of the recent renovation of the facility, the Golf Course was enhanced with colorful plantings, crushed stone  walkways, steps and cart paths at a number of tee boxes.

A variety of Centennial events were held at the Club this year, planned by the Club’s Centennial and Marketing Committees. The Centennial Committee, which also published a Centennial book and video for Club members, was led by Jim Rice and Steve Buckley, and included Tom Beaudrot, Connie Brown, Carrie Buckley, Jim Egan, Ruth Healey, Bob Landry, Lou Landry, Joe Mastoloni, Jim O’Brien, Tom Ralph, and John Zanzarella. The Marketing Committee was led by Frank Sampogna and included Tom Avezzano, Paul Bello, Steve Buckley, Bob Landry, Donna McCloskey, and Tom Ralph. Club events were supported by the Club’s outstanding staff led by Club Manager Jack Hrad, Food and Beverages Manager Helio Echeverry, Head Golf Professional Jason Gobleck, and Membership Manager Megan Gann.

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf