Staff Post by Wayne Visbeen

I have had the privilege of playing some of the most revered golf courses in the world in the past 15 years. Many of these classics have been in the East Coast, which has a wonderful tradition of great courses, and for me, even better, great clubhouses. In the East I have played, Oakmont, Oakhill, Baltusrol, Winged Foot, Merion, and most recently Ridgewood Country Club. These courses have all hosted PGA events and have a long tradition of golfing excellence. Several of these courses have two things in common that I want to refer to today: golf course Architect, A.W. Tillinghast and Architect Clifford C. Wendehack. Wendehack worked most prolifically in the 20’s and was responsible for some of my favorite clubhouse designs.

Winged Foot’s Clubhouse is considered by many the quintessential clubhouse and is one of the most beautiful I have visited.

Winged Foot

Mamaroneck, NY

Pennhills Country Club

Bradford, PA

Visbeen Associates has been selected to begin a process of master planning and designing several elements of the Ridgewood Country Club prior to their hosting the Barclays Event the summer of 2014. We are developing a practice facility and doing an addition and pro shop renovation. The future plans include a new pool, pool house, exercise facility and updated kitchen and dining areas. During this time, I have had the luxury of playing the course a few times and enjoying the beauty of this world-class facility. It is a great opportunity to become a part of architectural history.

Rendering of Ridgewood Country Club

Ridgewood Country Club

Paramus, NJ

Sketches done for Ridgewood Country Club

We are also working on another Wendehack Club, Hackensack Country Club in Ordell, N.J. to look at a new pool house and pool facility.

Hackensack Golf Club

Oradell, NJ