Willow Ridge Celebrates 100 Years of Family-Friendly Club Life

Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison kicks off the celebration of its 100th anniversary this week with a gala dinner dance in its recently expanded clubhouse. Originally organized as Green Meadow Country Club in 1917, Willow Ridge has grown nearly every feature of the club over the years.

The club’s golf course was designed by Maurice McCarthy, a club pro who also laid out several others including what is now the Hershey CC West Course. Willow Ridge’s golf course is notable for challenging elevation changes, slick and well-contoured greens, and scenic vistas punctuated by colorful landscape features including water that comes into play on nine holes.  Architect Ken Dye updated the golf course in successive phases during the last decade.

The present member-owned club took over in 1965 and has continually improved the course and other amenities over the years since. The clubhouse was renovated in 2002 and a large outdoor deck was added in 2012 to accommodate an increasing membership and larger social events. A phased renovation of the men’s locker room began late last year.

Willow Ridge has hosted numerous tournaments over the years, including the local 2016 U.S. Open Qualifier as well as others for the US Amateur and Westchester Classic.  

In addition to an eight-acre driving range and short game facility, Willow Ridge members play tennis on Har Tru courts, a large swimming pool, and a spacious lounge area.  The club has a well-earned reputation as a family-friendly organization that provides a wide range of activities for juniors.

General Manager Christopher Rogers says the club strives to remain true to the founders’ intentions “…to be a casual, family-welcoming social and recreational club that provides a sense of community to its members and guests.” That approach has attracted a remarkably young membership with an average age of 47.