You’ve probably heard the name whispered in real estate circles or among Westchester golf junkies. Willow Ridge Country Club. For decades, it was the gold standard of Harrison, New York, a place where the manicured greens of the 18-hole championship course were as much a status symbol as the luxury SUVs in the parking lot. But things changed. Fast. If you’re looking to book a tee time there today, you’re going to run into a bit of a surprise because the "Willow Ridge" of the 1950s isn't exactly the Willow Ridge of 2026.
It’s complicated.
Most people assume these old-school clubs just keep chugging along forever on old money and expensive gin fizzes. Not this one. The story of Willow Ridge is actually a wild case study in municipal politics, high-stakes real estate, and the changing face of American leisure. It’s a place that went from a private Jewish heritage club to a town-owned asset, and honestly, the transition was anything but smooth.
The Harrison Takeover: What Really Happened
Back in 2020, the members of Willow Ridge were staring down some tough numbers. Membership was dipping—a trend hitting private clubs across the Northeast—and the land was worth a fortune. Developers were circling like sharks. They wanted to turn those rolling fairways into high-end housing. But the Town of Harrison had other plans. They didn't want 100 new mansions; they wanted to keep the green space.
So, they bought it.
The town shelled out roughly $20 million to acquire the property. It was a massive gamble. The idea was to turn a private enclave into a "municipal" club, rebranded as the Harrison Meadows Country Club. This is where people get confused. If you're searching for Willow Ridge Country Club, you're effectively looking for the ghost of a club that now operates under a whole different set of rules.
It’s weird to walk the grounds now. You see the bones of that elite architecture—the sprawling clubhouse, the professional-grade bunkers—but the vibe is different. It’s more "everyone’s welcome" and less "who do you know?" which is a win for the average golfer but a bit of a culture shock for the traditionalists.
That Al Zikorus Layout is Still a Beast
Let’s talk about the actual golf, because that’s why the land matters. The course was originally designed by Al Zikorus. If you aren't a golf nerd, Zikorus is the guy known for making courses that feel "fair" until you actually stand on the green and realize you're staring at a three-putt.
The layout is classic Westchester. It’s hilly. It’s tight. You’re dealing with a lot of blind shots and elevation changes that will absolutely ruin your scorecard if you’re used to flat, Florida-style resort courses.
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The par-3s here are notoriously tricky. You’ve got water hazards that seem to jump out of nowhere. Honestly, even under town management, the maintenance has stayed surprisingly high. Usually, when a town takes over a private club, the bunkers go to seed and the greens get shaggy. That hasn't really happened here. They’re still fast. They’re still treacherous.
- The Signature Feel: Mature trees line almost every fairway. It feels secluded, even though you’re basically in the middle of a dense residential area.
- The Challenge: It’s a par 71 that plays much longer than the yardage on the card because of the uphill climbs.
- The Clubhouse: It still has that mid-century grandeur, though it’s been renovated to handle a higher volume of public guests.
Why the "Private vs. Public" Debate Still Rages
There is a lot of local drama surrounding this place. When it was Willow Ridge Country Club, it was a private sanctuary. When the town took over, a lot of neighbors were worried about traffic, noise, and whether their property values would tank.
Some people think the town overpaid. Others think it was the smartest move Harrison ever made to prevent over-development.
The club now operates on a "semi-private" or "membership-lite" model. You don't have to be a millionaire to play there, but residents of Harrison get massive perks. If you’re coming in from out of town, you can still get on the course, but you’re going to pay a premium. It’s a fascinating hybrid. It’s not quite Bethpage Black, but it’s definitely not your local muni where people are playing in denim shorts.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Amenities
People think "Country Club" and they think "Olympics." While Willow Ridge had the whole nine yards—tennis, pool, dining—the transition to Harrison Meadows shifted the focus.
The pool is a huge draw for local families now. It’s become the heartbeat of the community in the summer. But if you're looking for that ultra-exclusive, "I want to eat lunch next to a Fortune 500 CEO" experience, that’s faded. The dining room is more of a high-end bistro now. It’s good food—solid burgers, great salads—but it’s built for turnover, not for lingering over a four-hour business lunch.
Tennis is still a big deal here, though. The courts are well-maintained, and the "racquet sports" culture in Harrison is intense. They’ve even leaned into the pickleball craze, which, love it or hate it, is what’s keeping these clubs financially solvent in 2026.
How to Actually Play a Round There Today
If you want to experience what used to be Willow Ridge, you have to play the system a bit. You can't just show up and expect a walk-on tee time on a Saturday morning.
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- Check the Residency Rules: If you live in Harrison, get your ID ready. The price difference is staggering.
- Book Online: They use a modern reservation system now. Gone are the days of calling the pro shop and talking to "Old Bill" who knows your name.
- Mind the Dress Code: They still enforce a "country club casual" vibe. Collared shirts are a must. No cargo shorts. They’re trying to keep the spirit of the old Willow Ridge alive, even if the ownership has changed.
The back nine is where the real magic happens. By the time you hit the 13th hole, the noise of the surrounding roads fades away. You get this sense of what the original founders were looking for—a slice of quiet in a very loud part of the world.
The Real Legacy of Willow Ridge
Is it still "Willow Ridge"? Technically, no. The name on the sign says Harrison Meadows. But the DNA of the club is still there. You see it in the way the bunkers are shaped and the way the old-timers talk about the "glory days" at the bar.
The reality is that Willow Ridge represents a shift in how we view luxury. In the past, luxury was about who you could keep out. Today, places like this are proving that luxury can be about what you provide to the community. It’s a more sustainable model, even if it lacks the "membership committee" mystique of the past.
If you're a golf historian or just someone looking for a killer round of golf in Westchester, this place belongs on your list. Just don't call it a public course to the locals' faces—they still take a lot of pride in the "Country Club" part of the name.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Scout the Course: Before you head out, look at the topographical maps online. The elevation changes at the former Willow Ridge are the number one reason people lose balls.
- Time Your Visit: Mid-week mornings are the sweet spot. You'll avoid the rush of the "commuter crowd" who hits the links after work.
- Practice Your Short Game: The greens are small and undulating. If you can’t chip, you’re going to have a long day. Use the practice area near the clubhouse; it's one of the best-kept secrets of the facility.
- Check the Event Calendar: Since it's now town-owned, they host a lot of community events. Make sure you aren't trying to book a round during a local high school tournament or a town fundraiser.