The first thing that most people notice - and are in awe of - when they arrive at Muttontown Club is the mansion that serves as the clubhouse. This elegant 70,000-square-foot Georgian mansion took five years to build and was completed in 1919 by Howard C. Brokaw, owner of Brokaw Brothers Clothiers of New York City. It was nicknamed "The Chimneys" because of the 13 chimneys and 26 fireplaces spread throughout the 44-room home, which would later become the home of Henry Fonda and his family. It was Brokaw's wish that the property would eventually become an exclusive country club.

The estate sat vacant for about 15 years. Robert Leibowitz, son of retired State Supreme Court Justice Samuel S. Leibowitz, was one of the three men who bought the property and leased it back to the members.

Even with all its opulent luxury, the founders of The Muttontown Club believed that something was missing from this magnificent estate. As they surveyed the property with its rolling hills and beautiful gardens, they felt that the property was ideally suited for a golf course.

In 1960, the Club's founders purchased the property and put plans in motion to make the golf course dream become a reality. The course was originally designed by Alfred H. Tull and has since undergone updates at the hands of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1968 and the firm of Finger Dye Spann in 1971, and has maintained much of its classic charm while incorporating modern elements. The parkland-style golf course is situated on 150 acres and features mature tree-lined fairways that are meticulously maintained, rolling terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and speedy, well-undulated putting surfaces. To score well, you'd be wise to keep your approach shots below the hole. The golf course opened in 1962, and these days, The Muttontown Club is regarded as one of the most beautiful country clubs in the New York metropolitan area.

Over the years, the club has had its ups and downs. In 2017, despite its great location and affluent demographics, Muttontown faced many of the same challenges that many local equity clubs were dealing with. Thirteen other private clubs in the area were competing for the same shrinking group of affluent golfers who were required to commit and sign a one-year contract. Many of these competing clubs were waiving huge initiation fees, and groups of golfing buddies would "shop" their group to other local clubs in search of the best deal.

To further complicate matters, Muttontown's membership was shrinking. A series of assessments had increased annual fees significantly, and only 125 equity members remained. The club also owed millions in refunds to members holding certificates. Their financial obligation with two different banks was another issue: it consumed nearly 100 percent of its annual revenues, and the annual debt service was killing the club. Things got worse in 2017 when the first lender sold off its loan portfolio, and the new lender wanted a formidable down payment.

Muttontown Club tried to recover by hiring a 3rd party management company, but ever-increasing dues and assessments, and declining membership led to capital projects being deferred and rising debt levels. Things were no better than before.

The board considered selling some land to help, so they called on Ridgewood Real Estate, which had family members who were long-time Muttontown club members and had dealt with other clubs in similar situations. They quickly sized up the number of lots that could be developed on the property and gave the Board an estimated price it could pay for everything: golf course, clubhouse, et al. Knowing that the offer was ridiculously low, they suggested calling Concert Golf Partners and recapitalizing the property. By doing this, they could keep the Club intact. And members would never be charged an assessment.

Shortly after purchasing the club, Concert Golf significantly reduced membership dues in several categories. Membership sales quickly soared; locals who had considered the club in the past were now giving it a second look and liking what they saw. Over the next two years, Muttontown would add over 110 new members and decrease the average age by ten years!

Concert Golf Partners also made good on the capital improvements they promised. Golf course renovations to the driving range, greens, tee boxes, and bunkers got underway quickly. Repairs to the parking lot, pool deck, HVAC system, and roof were just some of the undertakings.

These days, The Muttontown Club is more of a family-oriented, resort-style private club. All aspects and club amenities are now being used, especially by younger members and their families. New activities pop up on the social calendar regularly. More golf course and clubhouse renovations are already being discussed.

I recently had the opportunity to visit and play Muttontown Club with Director of Golf Sean Sanders and Assistant Pro Rob Senatore; two guys who were knowledgeable and fun to play with. There were several holes I remember fondly, starting with Number 1, a short par 4, dogleg left that plays 323 yards. Play your tee shot right of the fairway bunker on the left to leave yourself the best angle into the green. A good drive will leave a short pitch shot into a slightly elevated triangular green with two bunkers on the right, one on the left, and a false front. You may want to consider something less than a driver off the tee. With the clubhouse to your left as you tee off, don't be surprised to find a crowd watching you as your round gets underway.

Beginning with the 3rd hole, you'll start to see trees on either side leading you down the fairway. Number 3 plays 426 yards from the Blue Tees and starts with a tough tee shot up a narrow chute to a narrow fairway. Longball hitters need to be aware of the fairway bunker on the right side. A good drive will still leave a long approach shot into a green protected by three bunkers in front, including one in the middle of the fairway. The green sits well below the fairway.

The finishing hole is a 373-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg left and an uphill approach to the green. Unless you're a long hitter, favor the right side of the fairway off the tee; longball hitters can aim just right of the left side bunkers and carry it past the dogleg. Consider an extra club on your approach shot, but not too much, lest you find the back patio! The green slopes from back to front and can be quite slippery, so it's best to putt from below the hole.

Before your round, warm up on Muttontown Club's impressive practice facilities, which include a two-sided driving range, a short game area with a chipping green, and two putting greens.

If the weather outside is not conducive to golf, consider the Simulator Room. It's a great place to host a party or an off-season golf event. The Trackman simulator allows you to play famous courses all over the world from the comfort of the clubhouse; it's a great way to spend quality time with the family, challenge friends, or improve your game by practicing shots, approach shots, chips, and drives.

For Members who enjoy the courts over the course, Muttontown offers 5 Har-Tru clay tennis courts. The tennis staff can put together tennis activities to improve your game, including clinics and children's programs. Other recreational amenities include a fully staffed fitness center, basketball court, and an oversized free-form pool and splash pad with a spacious deck, plenty of lounge chairs, and the Pool House Grill just a few steps away. Muttontown's culinary team puts together delicious entrees year-round in The Clubhouse and on the Terrace. Members enjoy barbecues, wine tastings, casual nights, pool parties, card games, and so much more!

Muttontown's free-form pool is a great place for the entire family to gather and enjoy what the club has to offer. Mom and Dad can bask in the sun on the spacious deck while the kids can play in the brand new, interactive splash pad or use some of the floaties, games, and toys that are readily available. The Pool House Grille has a full-service kitchen and serves sandwiches, refreshing beverages, icy treats, and more! It's like a tropical vacation - anytime you desire.

Inside the now-revamped clubhouse, you'll find the administrative offices, a pro shop, three dining rooms, several conference rooms, a fitness facility, card rooms, and locker rooms. The locker rooms are second to none with large lockers crafted from the finest wood, luxurious showers, and a steam room. Muttontown is one of the most distinguished clubs in the area and was once described by a well-known New York golf commentator as "Sumptuous."

Rumor has it that the club boasts some of the best cuisine on Long Island; many describe a "perfect" day at Muttontown club as playing nine holes, heading inside the clubhouse for lunch, and then playing the 2nd nine. We waited until the entire round was finished before enjoying the fine cuisine!

As you can imagine, The Muttontown Club is a popular venue for weddings. The ballroom can accommodate 250 guests; three other rooms are perfect for hosting more intimate events and celebrations. The outdoor terrace is often used for outdoor wedding ceremonies and cocktail receptions.

The Muttontown Club has everything you'd expect to find in a private club. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit their website at www.themuttontownclub.com.

The Club's history is unique. It was originally named the Canyon Club and was owned by Mitsubishi, which built the property so that its local executives could play golf nearby. Community residents were allowed to join the club, yet very few did. As membership dwindled and expenses mounted, the Canyon Club fell on hard times. Real estate developer Jeffery Mendell saw an opportunity and teamed up with a couple of other investors to purchase the club. Mendell had seen the success of golf communities in Florida and Arizona and thought, "Why not Westchester, NY?" Finally, more than 12 years later than planned, zoning and building permits have been approved, and it's full steam ahead!

The Summit Club sits on 156 acres of prime real estate in Armonk, NY; the golf course occupies 130 acres. The remaining 26 acres will be used for residences, 72 units across 6 buildings. These residences will range from 2,535 to 3,237 square feet and feature ultramodern interior designs, extra-large private outdoor terraces with fireplaces, and tremendous golf course views and countless miles beyond. I can only imagine how beautiful those hills will look in the fall. The underground parking garage will have elevator access to each condominium and individual storage rooms/wine cellars for residents. All traffic in and out of the complex will be monitored from a 24/7 gated guardhouse.

As for the golf course, it was originally designed by Albert Zikorus and opened for play in 1961. In 2011, a fairly extensive renovation was done by Rees Jones that included the rebuilding of all fairway and greenside bunkers, redesigning three holes, updating an outdated irrigation system, and adding several tee boxes. At the time, he claimed that his course improvements "Will make The Summit Club at Armonk a place where any level of golfer can enjoy a natural landscape that offers dramatic elevation changes and stunning panoramic views of the New York countryside." After playing the course just once, I agree!

Jones has done a great job incorporating many of the land's natural features - lakes, marshlands, and tall fescue grasses - into the layout to make it more challenging and give it character. You'll encounter significant elevation changes in both directions as you play your way around the course, prompting you to use every club at your disposal.

The first hole at The Summit Club at Armonk is at one of the highest elevation points of the course and presents tremendous views of several surrounding holes. The second hole is a dogleg right that plays 355 yards and considerably downhill; it's named Fade Away for good reason. Play your tee shot well left of the large trees on the right side; otherwise, you're likely to find the long grass but not your ball. You may be able to hit something less than driver off the tee because of the slope of the hole, but it's almost a 200-yard carry to find the fairway. A good line off the tee is the tree line on the left. If you hit a good drive with a little fade, you can get to the bottom of the hill just short of the green. Two white sand bunkers guard either side in front of the green. It's a great hole to make up an early stroke!

Number 6 is the first par 3 on the golf course and well worth the wait! From the Blue Tees, it plays 185 yards with bunkers in front to take away the bump-and-run. The green isn't that deep but has some great undulation and character. It's slightly elevated, and anything that rolls off will leave a delicate up and down.

The 7th hole is a 390-yard par 4 dogleg left with an interesting twist - a right-sloping fairway! For most players, the approach shot will be uphill and blind onto a triangular-shaped green.

The back nine starts with a short and interesting par 4 playing 315 yards from the Blue Tees. You'll tee off from an elevated tee box downhill with sand traps on either side of the landing area. Your approach shot plays straight uphill into a large green with a false front. Hit it short, and it can easily roll back to where you are - or worse!

Number 14 is a very pretty 500-yard, par 5 that plays dead straight with out-of-bounds and an expressway on the right. Westchester Magazine has recognized #14 as one of the great new golf holes among the county's recently improved or renovated courses. If you're a long ball hitter, beware of the marshlands on the left. There's a large fairway bunker on the right side in the landing area of your tee shot and a few others on the left side of the landing area for your layup shot. Two good shots will leave a short pitch into an elevated green that is a lot wider than it is deep. There's also a rock-lined creek about 50 yards short of the green that can't be seen from the fairway.

The finishing hole at The Summit Club at Armonk is a 485-yard, par 5 that plays uphill the entire way and has a very narrow fairway. There are trees on either side of the landing area if you spray it off the tee, and a fairway bunker on the left side about 110 yards short of the green in the landing area of your layup shot. The elevated green is protected by four bunkers in front. It's a very challenging - but fair - finishing hole.

Although space is limited within the temporary trailer, you can still find a good selection of logoed Summit Club golf gear, including hats, polos, outerwear, towels, tools, and more. Currently, there aren't a lot of options for food. Chef Jose and his on-site food truck offer tantalizing food after your round, or you can simply grab a beer and relive the good and the bad with friends.

The Summit Club is all about raising the next generation of golfers, and PGA Director of Golf and Instruction Michael Davis is at the helm. Davis seamlessly melds traditional teaching methods with cutting-edge technology. He's dedicated to helping young golfers reach their potential and make a positive impact through the game. As a Member, your kids can take part in PGA Junior Camps, instructional lessons, and a whole lot more.

The Club also pays special attention to Ladies and Seniors, offering instruction, friendly competition, and a chance to meet new playing partners and develop new friendships. Special programs have been put together for both seniors and ladies.

The Summit Club in Armonk isn't your grandfather's country club; there are no social demands or the staunch bureaucracy you'll find at many traditional New York clubs, and there never will be! What you'll find are superb playing conditions, ostentatious attention to detail, and respect for all. You're pretty much free to do as you please - within legal and moral bounds!

The Summit Club at Armonk offers several membership plans to meet everyone's needs and budgets. A Full Golf Membership gives you, your spouse, and any children under 24 unlimited access to the course, driving range, and practice area from Tuesday to Sunday. You'll receive priority tee times, complimentary golf lessons, flexible guest privileges, and many other benefits. All Members have access to Palmer Advantage Privileges, giving you elite privileges in golf, travel, and entertainment worldwide. The network includes 300 clubs scattered across North America, complimentary greens fees at 125+ courses, and access to top venues through exclusive Member golf days. Contact the pro shop to check on other Membership categories such as Founding Member and Legacy Member.

When you become a Member of The Summit Club at Armonk, you're securing your future in what is destined to become one of the elite clubs in the area. For more information on membership or what the club will look like down the road, visit them online at www.thesummitclub.net or www.summitclubresidences.com

The Experience Golf, formerly The Experience St Andrews, carries on a legacy of crafting unforgettable golf experiences. Demonstrating a well-established partnership with St Andrews Links Trust since 1995, they've been helping golfers across the globe create lifelong memories at the Home of Golf for over two decades. This exciting rebrand retains their hallmark of quality and exceptional customer service, but under a broader name that reflects their commitment to offering unforgettable golf tours, beyond Scotland and St Andrews.

Andy Vinsen, Managing Director at Keith Prowse comments: "The Experience Golf's vision 'to curate unrivalled golf experiences and make lasting memories on the fairway' succinctly encapsulates the depth and breadth of this exciting brand, which will continue to focus on delivering exceptional customer satisfaction. Fuelled by a post-pandemic surge in playing golf and enjoying more leisure time, we're expanding our horizons beyond Scotland, hence the brand has evolved to support this growth. Our 30-year partnership with St Andrews Links Trust remains a source of immense pride and we're committed to building on this success in years to come".

James Ralley, Commercial Director of St Andrews Links Trust, notes "We have had a longstanding relationship with The Experience St Andrews and have seen firsthand the level of service they provide to all their clients. We're excited to see the business expand beyond St Andrews and for golfers to experience more incredible golf around the world."

Nathan Payne, Head of The Experience Golf, also commented "This rebrand expresses the very essence of what we do. This is a story that is 30+ years in the making, which has given us time to perfect the experience of a lifetime, from the moment you are greeted by our expert team, to your final swing on the fairway. This is a name that will live on for years to come, in curating the ultimate experience for our guests."

David Scott, Captain of the PGA 2025, states: "I have been fortunate enough to be involved in several events run by The Experience Golf over the last couple of years and have been extremely impressed with the level of detail they go to to ensure their guests have the best experience possible. I certainly is an exciting time for this cutting-edge company."

About The Experience Golf

The Experience Golf (formerly The Experience St Andrews and prior to that The Old Course Experience) was established in 1995 and is a subsidiary of Keith Prowse. Keith Prowse are part of Levy UK, the sports, leisure and hospitality division of Compass Group UK & Ireland (a limited company incorporated in England & Wales under number 02272248). For more information about The Experience Golf, visit theexperiencegolf.com/about-us/.

The Home of Golf. For more than 600 years St Andrews Links, much like the game of golf itself, has evolved. Today more than 230,000 rounds are played over our seven public courses. Since our relationship with St Andrews Links was established over 30 years ago, we have enjoyed helping thousands of golfers create their own memories at the Home of Golf, and we look forward to welcoming golfers from all over the world for years to come.

About Keith Prowse (keithprowse.co.uk)

Keith Prowse is the UK's hospitality industry leader with official appointments at The Championships, Wimbledon, Twickenham Stadium, Edgbaston Stadium, The Kia Oval, cinch Championships, Rothesay International Eastbourne and American Express presents BST Hyde Park. They're the multi award-winning Experience Experts and have been for over 200 years and counting. Keith Prowse are part of Levy UK, the sports, leisure and hospitality division of Compass Group UK & Ireland.

Ferris' family has been part of the fabric of the club dating back to his uncle being one of the charter golf members and his dad being a golf professional there in the 1970's. As a little kid he ran around the proshop, played in the adjacent woods and creek, and eventually participated in junior tournaments during his high school years.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to return home to Cavalry, a place that holds so many wonderful memories and where golf became a part of my life", Ferris said. "When I played Cavalry as kid, I had no idea who Dick Wilson and Joe Lee were, but I'm convinced that my fascination with golf course design and Wilson's work is rooted in that early immersion. I've never been more excited about a restoration project."

Ferris will spearhead the project that encompasses rebuilding/restoring all bunkers, reintroducing short cuts and collection areas around greens, restoring fairway cuts/widths in landing areas, and tree clearing to bring back the feel of the original layout. Future phases will include tee renovation, additional tree clearing for turf improvement, adding native fescue areas, drainage, improvements to the practice area, and creating a short game venue.

Calvary Club opened June 26, 1965, and was the final layout for the iconic Wilson, who passed away shortly afterwards. The layout was deeply immersed in Wilson's philosophy, replete with flanking fairway bunkers, green complexes with large putting surfaces typically surrounded with strategic bunkers.* The course also represents the beginning of Joe Lee's storied career, with this being his first solo project routing the course and supervising construction.

Carved into rolling farmland just outside of Syracuse, Wilson and Lee laid out a classic design on land that once served as home to a cavalry troop in the early 1900's following the Spanish-American War. The troop then evolved into Company D of the 104th Machine Gun Battalion, a unit of the 27th Division, NY National Guard. The troop was sent to Peekskill, N.Y., to guard the aqueduct providing New York City's water supply from possible sabotage during World War I.

In 1940, the Cavalry became the newly formed 101st Antitank Battalion as Company C. It continued to attract all walks of life: college students and graduates, lawyers, mechanics, farmers, clerks, shop foremen and even high schoolers. Old troopers from Company C played a key role in developing the golf course and creating the club's membership.

About Sanford Ferris Golf Course Design Sanford Ferris Golf Course Design was founded in 1987 by architect John Sanford and has completed 100+ course design projects worldwide. A member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and serving as President in 2017, Sanford has designed courses throughout the U.S, Middle East, Asia and Caribbean working with some of the planet's most diverse sites -- including next to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, New York City's East River, and the sandy soils of South Florida. Along with partner David Ferris, the global design firm brings more than 60 years of design experience crafting strategic, sustainable new-build courses, transformative course renovations, and multiple collaborations with Jack Nicklaus and Nicklaus Design. The firm has been recognized by Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, and Golfweek for its award-winning designs like Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, Granite Links Golf Club, Juliette Falls Golf Club, and Madinat Makadi in Egypt.

Ranked No. 6 in Golfweek's "Best Courses You Can Play in New York," Pound Ridge is Pete Dye's only Empire State design. Less than an hour drive from New York City, a half-hour from White Plains and less than 15 minutes from both Stamford and Greenwich, (Conn.), the celebrated architect's acclaimed layout exemplifies his genius for creating exceptional shot values as well as a pure golf experience few public facilities can match.

Golfers will enjoy numerous updates to the course and facility to kick off the 2022 season. Highlights include a new starter shed for check-in, driving range equipment and state-of-the-art GPS technology for its golf carts. Most notably, players will discover the reworking and removal of bunkers on the par-4 17th hole spearheaded by golf architect Cynthia Dye, Pete Dye's niece.

"We're thrilled to continue expanding our golf club's offerings as we head into another highly anticipated season at Pound Ridge," says Darren Wang, managing partner. "We look forward to welcoming players of all skill levels to not only test their game on Pete Dye's demanding layout but also enjoy the serenity of our natural setting in the scenic Westchester County countryside."

Pound Ridge also showcases topnotch instruction with its director of golf operations, PGA Professional Brad Worthington. Worthington has long been recognized as one the leading golf instructors in the Northeast U.S. In 2016, he was named "Metropolitan Section PGA Professional of the Year." Lessons with Worthington are available for players of all skill levels hoping to improve their game under his tutelage.

Pound Ridge sits regally on 172 acres of pastoral land with dramatic rock outcroppings, streams and wooded, rolling hills converging to create an enjoyable and challenging par-72 course. Five sets of tees range from 5,151 to 7,165 yards providing challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Among its unforgettable holes is the dramatic par-5 13th which is home to "Pete's Rock," a giant boulder that rests in the middle of the fairway.

For more information, or to book a tee time, please call 914.764.5771 or visit www.poundridgegolf.com

About Pound Ridge Golf Club

Opened in 2008, Pound Ridge Golf Club is the only course in New York designed by the legendary Pete Dye. Located in Westchester County, it is less than an hour north of New York City and minutes from Stamford and Greenwich, Connecticut. Pound Ridge Golf Club is the premier high-end, public course in the metropolitan New York area.

Pound Ridge Golf Club is a full bentgrass facility, hewn from 172 acres of magnificent cliffs, streams and wooded hills. Dramatic rock formations and boulders were left onsite, creating one of the most visually stunning settings for golf in the United States. More than 14,000-linear-feet of rock wall surrounds trees, wetlands, and water hazards. These frame contoured fairways wind through hardwood forests and fescue mounds leading to open meadows with picturesque green complexes.

Fans of Dye will find all the legendary designer's renowned touches on display: dramatic mounding, rhythmic routing, and subtle deception meld to create an imminently challenging and fair golf experience. Pound Ridge Golf Club reflects the best in contemporary course design and is unique in a region filled with classic courses.

The par-72 layout measures 7,165 yards and houses five sets of tees ideal of players of all abilities. The facility boasts a practice range, short game area and putting green. The property features some of the highest points in Westchester County with several tee boxes offering expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Notable holes include the par-5, 13th - home to "Pete's Rock," a giant boulder that rests in the middle of the fairway - and the par-3 15th - dubbed "Headstone" - which is flanked on the right by a large rock outcropping that protrudes into the elongated, 9,000-square-foot green.

Recent accolades for Pound Ridge Golf Club include:

• No. 7 in GOLF Channel Golf Advisor's 2020 "Toughest Courses in the U.S."
• "A modern masterpiece" - Men's Journal
• "Best in State, No. 6, 2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021" - Golfweek
• "Best Courses Near You, No. 4, 2016 / 2017" - GOLF Magazine
• "No. 1 U.S. Open Worthy Public Course, 2012" - GOLF Magazine
• "No. 1 New York City Area Golf Course, 2010" - AskMen.com
• "America's Best New Courses, 2009" - Golf Digest
• "New Golf Development of the Year, 2009" - ABTA Golf
• "Top Ten You Can Play, No. 2, 2008" - GOLF Magazine
• "Best New Courses, 2008" - LINKS Magazine

The Polo Golf Junior Classic, now in its 43rd year, is steeped in history from noteworthy past champions to famed host venues. The annual match play event is the only true match play format event on the AJGA schedule. All but two years of the 43-year history have been played as match play. The top-32 boys and top-32 girls compete over four days in a round robin match play tournament styled after the PGA TOUR's World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play.

"Bethpage State Park is proud to host the 43rd edition of the Polo Golf Junior Classic at the legendary Bethpage Black, a jewel in our state park system," New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. "We are excited to showcase these talented young golfers here at our exceptional public golf course and expect that the display of their skills on one of the nation's most difficult courses will inspire more youth to discover the thrill of golf."

Some noteworthy past champions of the Polo Golf Junior Classic include, in the Boys Division, Tiger Woods, Trevor Immelman, Stewart Cink, Brian Harman, Morgan Hoffman, Akshay Bhatia and Matthew NeSmith. On the Girls Division side, Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, Grace Park, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Ariya Jutanugarn, Heather Farr, Rachel Heck and Sierra Brooks.

2021 champion Nicholas Dunlap of Huntsville, Alabama, went on from the Polo Golf Junior Classic to win the 73rd U.S. Junior Amateur at The Country Club of North Carolina a month later and earn Rolex Junior Player of the Year honors for 2021.

The Polo Golf Junior Classic has occurred annually since 1978, with a variety of host venues over its tenure. Noteworthy past host courses have included Liberty National Golf Club, PGA National Resort and Spa - Champion & Fazio Courses, Sea Island Golf Club, and Innisbrook Resort- Copperhead Course.

The 2022 move of the Polo Golf Junior Classic to Bethpage Black marks the first time the event is being played on a public course. The Black Course is rich in tradition having hosted three major championships, two FedEx Cup playoff events and the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup.

The course which opened in 1936 as part of the Depression Era public-works project that build Bethpage State Park burst onto the scene in 2002 with its first hosting of the U.S. Open. It was this year that a young Tiger Woods, who won the Polo Golf Junior Classic in 1991, captured his second U.S. Open title. The Black Course again hosted the U.S. Open in 2009 where AJGA alumni Lucas Glover took home the title. The 'extremely difficult course' recommended 'only for highly skilled golfers' also hosted the 2012 and 2016 FedEx Cup playoff event, The Barclays. AJGA alumni Brooks Koepka won the 2019 PGA Championship when the course hosted its first major in ten years.

"We are so excited to bring the longstanding Polo Golf Junior Classic to Bethpage Black," said AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. "The partnership we have with Polo Ralph Lauren combined with the rich history of Bethpage Black is going to be a special treat for the field in 2022 and we cannot wait to help promote junior golf at such a historic venue as Bethpage State Park."

All proceeds from the 2022 Polo Golf Junior Classic will benefit the Natural Heritage Trust. For over 50 years, the Natural Heritage Trust has worked to preserve New York's public lands and enhance programs at state parks and historic sites. Learn more at https://www.naturalheritagetrust.org/.

This event also seeks to give back and grow the junior golf program at Bethpage State Park. The event will include an opportunity for junior golfers to interact with the top-64 juniors in the country through volunteering.

For more information about the Polo Golf Junior Classic please contact Emma Varela (evarela@ajga.org) in the AJGA Communications Department.

Learn more about the AJGA through Facebook, Twitter or at www.ajga.org.

The annual Golfers' Choice: Best Courses in New York list features the top 25 courses in the state and is compiled by course ratings and reviews submitted by the GolfPass community throughout the year.

NBC Sports' GolfPass community rated each of Turning Stone's three championship-level courses among the Top 8 in New York State, with golfers' reviews praising pristine conditions, courteous staff, as well as the resort's breadth of world-class amenities.

* Kaluhyat, ranked #1 in New York State: "The course is intimidating to look at but is often receptive to most incoming shots. It's visually pleasing while remaining difficult yet playable. Conditions are always great." - u3877452, GolfPass Review

* Shenendoah, ranked #6 in New York State: "Love this course and the Turning Stone treatment. Turning Stone golf is DEFINITELY the crown jewel of Upstate NY golfing. You cannot be in this area and not try one of these courses." - u314161205681, GolfPass Review

* Atunyote, ranked #8 in New York State: "This course is everything you want in a golf course, perfectly manicured, aesthetically beautiful, fun layout, and good pace of play." - ctcov, GolfPass Review

These latest accolades come following the 2021 golf season's new record for the number of guests traveling to Upstate New York to experience its world-class golf courses. The premier destination resort saw a nearly 50% increase in golfers visiting this year, with 45% more golfers booking overnight visits and traveling from 41 different states last year.

This latest recognition from NBC Sports' GolfPass follows an historic year of awards for Turning Stone by the most prestigious and trusted names in hospitality, gaming and golf. Upstate New York's most awarded resort was named by Golf Digest as one of the Best Golf Resorts in the Americas with its Editors' Choice Awards; Northeast Golf Magazine awarded Turning Stone with three of its Best in Golf Awards, including Best Travel Resorts & Destinations, recognized by Forbes Travel Guide with four esteemed Forbes Four-Star Awards, voted #1 Best Overall Gaming Resort in New York, #1 Best Overall Dining and the #1 Beset Golf Course all by Casino Player Magazine, , and earned accolades from AAA with three Four Diamond Awards. Additionally, Conde Nast Johansens honored Turning Stone with its elite Award of Excellence, Turning Stone was ranked as one of USA Today's Best 10 Casino Hotels and Golf Advisor named all three of Turning Stone's 18-hole courses as the Top 3 Courses in New York.

Designed by world-renowned architects, each of Turning Stone's three championship golf courses are pristinely conditioned and provide the ultimate experience for the golf enthusiast to the professional golfer. Atunyote, Kaluhyat, and Shenendoah have each collected numerous awards since their individual openings and each enjoys world-class recognition by having hosted PGA Tour events, the PGA Professional National Championship, and top tier Amateur/Collegiate Tournaments.

This record-breaking year for golf tourism coincides with a historic level of investments made by the Oneida Indian Nation in the region, including The Cove at Sylvan Beach, a new $25 million vacation destination opening next summer, and significant upgrades at Turning Stone such as an all-new Showroom. 2021 Turning Stone Golf Season by the Numbers:

* Golfers from 41 states visited Turning Stone this year; * Nearly 50% increase in rounds of golf played; * 45% increase in overnight stays by golfers; * Visits from Mid-Atlantic golfers (PA, MD, VA) tripled; * Visits from Tri-State golfers (NY, NJ, CT) doubled; * Visits from Southeast golfers doubled.

Turning Stone opened its first 18-hole course - Shenendoah - more than two decades ago and continues to evolve the golf experience. Now with more than 70 golf employees, including many who are PGA Professionals, five golf courses, a state-of-the-art Golf Dome with one of the only indoor short game practice facilities in the country and an expansive Golf Superstore that offers the newest apparel and custom golf fittings, Turning Stone's golf experience has been touted among the best in the country.

"The massive increase we experienced in guests coming from around the county to our region to play golf is more than just a one-year anomaly," said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. "We have learned from decades of experience that after visiting Upstate New York and seeing everything our region has to offer, guests return year after year. Golf has been a catalyst for transforming Turning Stone into the world-class destination resort it is today and has played an integral role in bringing visitors from all around the world to the region."

Golf at Turning Stone has been attracting new visitors to the region for decades, from the days of the Turning Stone Championship, a four-year PGA Tour event where Dustin Johnson celebrated his first PGA victory, to several years of the Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge that brought thousands of golf fans to Upstate New York to watch golf legends like Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, Annika Sorenstam and Natalie Gulbis.

"Our record-breaking golf season is an outstanding accomplishment for our employees and regional partners who are all dedicated to ensuring our region is a top golf and tourist destination," said Director of Golf and Recreation Miles Blundell. "Many of our new guests have already rebooked golf trips for next year. Once they visited Turning Stone and saw all of the remarkable recreational activities in our region, guests knew they no longer needed to travel west or overseas to have an exceptional golf experience."

Turning Stone has been recognized by several industry leaders this year for its golf experience, including Golf Digest's Editors' Choice Award for Best Golf Resorts in the Northeast; Golf Channel's Golf Advisor rating Turning Stone's three 18-hole courses as the top three courses in New York; Casino Player Magazine awarded Turning Stone the #1 Best Golf Course in New York; and Northeast Golf Magazine awarding Turning Stone with three of its Best in Golf Awards for Best Travel Resorts & Destinations, Best Public Golf Courses and Best Instructors in New York.

Recognized as a top destination for premium golfing experiences, the resort has released the following schedule to the notice of golfers across the nation.

Friday, April 16th - Shenendoah and Sandstone Hollow Both courses designed by golf icon Rick Smith, Sandstone Hollow's challenging nine-hole course winds through natural New York woods and wetlands - while Shenendoah offers 18-holes of PGA-level golf amidst sweeping open pastures that capture the links feel.

Friday, April 23rd - Kaluhyat Named as one of the Top 100 Best Casino Courses by Golfweek, Kaluhyat features 18-holes designed to test players accuracy and strategy, with rolling greens that change in elevation and reach up to 50 feet in some areas.

Friday, April 30th - Atunyote A vast 18-hole course featuring placid lakes and streams, rolling hills, and open fairway - Atunyote has been home to the Turning Stone Resort Championship, the PGA Professional National Championship, as well as the BC Open.

Turning Stone's courses are set to open after having been recognized by numerous recent awards, including being named as one of the Best Golf Resorts in the Americas in the Northeast by Golf Digest, and with the Golf Channel's Golf Advisor ranking Kaluhyat, Shenendoah, and Atunyote as the Top Three Best Courses in New York. Turning Stone's player-friendly Pleasant Knolls golf course is already open.

As with all Turning Stone features and offerings, the courses will operate under enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure maximum safety and comfort for players. Guests are encouraged to review the resort's comprehensive health and safety plan, Safer Together, to prepare before arriving.