Knickerbocker Country Club (1914)
Tenafly, New Jersey, USA
6th Hole / 201 Yards / Par-3
Architects: Donald Ross & Herbert Strong
Updating: Jaeger Kovich
Superintendent: Kyle Hillegass
New Jersey is among the smallest of States in the USA but when the subject of golf is mentioned, the stature and breath of the numerous key private clubs that dot the landscape of the Garden State becomes quickly apparent.
At the top of the pyramid rests Pine Valley — the Citizen Kane of all golf courses. The roster is then filled out with nationally-rated layouts such as Somerset Hills, Baltusrol, Plainfield, Hollywood, Ridgewood, Galloway National. There are also a number of quality layouts that have not received their full share of attention and include the likes of Essex County, Union League, Arcola, Forsgate, et al.
Located in golf-rich Bergen County is Knickerbocker Country Club. Opened in 1914, the Tenafly-located club is in the process of being updated by architect Jaeger Kovich and on the turf side by superintendent Kyle Hillegass – both hired in 2020.
Much has been written about the involvement of famed architect Donald Ross but the complete Knickerbocker story includes the invaluable contribution of Englishman Herbert Strong. Strong’s involvement included the design of holes 2-9 along with holes 13 and 14.
The original Knickerbocker course was 9 holes on the eastern side of Knickerbocker Road. That is where the present clubhouse is located with the practice area. The designer of those holes is unknown. Ross added a second 9 which included holes 1, 10-12, and 15-18. Strong then completed the remainder of holes and in the process tweaked a number of Ross bunkers.
The task for Kovich was bringing back to life the key elements associated with each architect. No small task. To date, roughly one-third of the course has been updated in exemplary fashion. Hillegass started the process in cleaning up the accumulated clutter. Over a number of years, the profusion of trees only became more and more invasive — lessening the playing angles into the putting surfaces. The same was done with underbrush that interfered with the overall look of the course. The opening up of the site now provides the full majesty of the existing terrain.
When arriving at the 6th teeing area your eyes are drawn to the engaging green complex. A massive high left shoulder is quickly apparent. Any approach missing the green to that side faces the most bedeviling of challenges.
The putting surface was also expanded from 4,550 to 6,900 square feet with a new rear right area. A large bunker guards that side and players have to be cognizant of its presence.
Far too often modern golf architecture has overly inserted the usage of water and you see a similar over usage of dropshot par-3 holes. Strong was an advocate in creating distinct land features that can fit well with the existing landscape.
Play a Strong hole and his last name is apropos to what you face. At its core the 6th at Knickerbocker elicits emotion. Truly compelling architecture is about sustaining interest time after time and that is front and center when playing the 6th.
Related: Grade “A” Architecture – Tamarack CC
Strong said, “the duty of the golf architect is to build natural beauty into every possible feature of play.” The 6th also has an array of vexing internal movements. Simply landing one’s shot on the green will not provide a simplistic two-putt outcome. Precision is a central emphasis point in being able to successfully navigate the challenge provided.
A clear renaissance in classic architecture is now happening. A number of private clubs are smartly moving to a future with past designs resurrected.
The success rocket has most certainly launched at Knickerbocker.
It will be most interesting to return in the near future and see how the remaining elements are put into place. The momentum is certainly present.
