Pound Ridge Set to Open July 1

Pound Ridge Golf Club, the first New York course designed by Pete Dye, officially marked its grand opening with a press conference and first-tee ceremony before hundreds of invited guests, town officials and media. The course opens for play to the public on or about July 1.

Situated on 172 acres, Pound Ridge Golf Club offers views of meadows and the sculpture-like rock for which Westchester County is famous. Rock outcroppings intermingle with contoured fairways, expansive bunkers and undulating greens. The course also presents a wide range of shot-making opportunities.

"Pete Dye has given an intriguing rhythm to Pound Ridge Golf Club," said owner Ken Wang. "There is a sense of flow and serenity on the course and throughout the property that should make it truly memorable to the golfer. My goal in bringing Pete into the project was to create a golf course for the ages. I believe we have achieved something very significant at Pound Ridge."

The par-72 Pound Ridge Golf Club measures 7,171 yards from the tips. Four other sets of tees test golfers with total yardages of 6,787, 6,279, 5,713 and 5,180, respectively. The par-3, 174-yard, 15th hole incorporates many of the natural elements inherent to the property, including a massive rock wall backdrop. Dye devotees will particularly enjoy the 317-yard, par-4 fifth with its 13 bunkers that protect a postage stamp green.

The 13th, par-5 features native and man-made rock formations along its entire right side. Properly struck tee shots will soar over a magnificent boulder, called "Pete's Rock," located at the entrance to the fairway.

Players will also see native trees that are common to the New England hardwood forest: oak, maple, birch, beech, hickory, white pine and spruce. Orioles, red winged blackbirds, deer, foxes, coyotes and wild turkeys abound at Pound Ridge. Extensive wetland plantings preserve the eco-friendly ambience of the surroundings.

For more information or a tee time, visit www.poundridgegolf.com.