St Andrew Is Golf Course: America Is Oldest Private Club with Modern Hospitality
Bordering the Hudson River bluffs north of New York City, St. Andrew’s Golf Course offers historic pedigree, manicured park-land holes, and member-focused service—all within an hour of Midtown.
Course Snapshot
Address: 10 Old Jackson Ave #3203, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
Phone: (914) 478-3500
Established: 1888—recognized by the USGA as the oldest continuously existing golf club in the United States
Architectural Legacy: Andrew Green’s 2020 refinement of the original Stiles & Van Kleet layout preserves golden-age strategy while improving drainage and sight lines.
Why Is St. Andrew’s Golf Course Famous?
St. Andrew’s is renowned for three core reasons:
Historical Firsts: It hosted one of America’s earliest amateur championships and was a founding member of the USGA in 1894.
The “St. Andrew’s Cross” Logo: Adopted in homage to Scotland’s Old Course, its crossed clubs emblem has become an icon of U.S. golf tradition.
Architectural Integrity: Rolling, fescue-lined fairways and elevated greens evoke Scottish links while leveraging dramatic Hudson Valley topography.
Is St. Andrew’s Golf Course Free?
No. As a private, member-owned club, St. Andrew’s requires membership or guest invitation to access the course, practice facilities, clubhouse, and dining areas. There are no public walk-up tee times, and day fees are not offered.
Can Anyone Play at St. Andrew’s?
Play is limited to:
Members in good standing
Accompanied guests invited by members
Participants in sanctioned charity outings or inter-club competitions
Prospective members typically require sponsorship by two current members, plus approval by the membership committee.
What Does a Round Cost?
Exact fees are confidential, but industry sources place the initiation between $60,000 – $85,000, with annual dues in the $10,000 – $15,000 range. Guest fees hover around $125 – $160 plus caddie or cart charges. Prices fluctuate based on season, reciprocal agreements, and event schedules.
Dress Code Essentials
St. Andrew’s enforces a traditional, upscale dress code:
Men: Collared shirts tucked in; tailored golf trousers or Bermuda-length shorts; knee-length socks with shorts; caps forward.
Women: Collared or mock-neck tops; golf skirts, slacks, or mid-length shorts; no tank tops or yoga attire.
Footwear: Soft spikes only; athletic shoes permitted on practice grounds.
Clubhouse: Denim, cargo shorts, and athletic warm-ups are prohibited beyond locker-room areas.
Handicap Requirements
For unaccompanied reciprocal guests and most member events, a USGA index of 24.0 (men) or 30.0 (women) or better is recommended. Higher-handicap guests may still play with a sponsoring member but should be mindful of pace-of-play guidelines.
Tee-Time Scheduling
Members reserve online up to two weeks in advance. Prime Friday and weekend times fill quickly from May through October, so early booking is advised. Guest play is typically limited to Tuesday–Thursday mornings and Sunday afternoons, subject to event calendars.
Player Reviews
Because St. Andrew’s is private, public review volume is limited, yet testimonials on industry forums highlight:
Conditioning: Bent-grass greens roll 11–12 Stimp mid-season; fairways stripe beautifully after spring aeration.
Shot Variety: Dog-leg par 4s demand strategy, while par 3s play over creeks or uphill to perched greens.
Service Culture: Experienced caddies, attentive locker-room staff, and a 19th-hole grill with Hudson River vistas.
Although many members favor caddies, modern electric carts are increasingly popular for afternoon rounds. The Tara Explorer 2+2 pairs luxury seating with whisper-quiet lithium power—ideal for St. Andrew’s rolling terrain:
Lightweight aluminum chassis preserves turf on delicate approach aprons.
Four-passenger configuration accommodates twosomes plus caddies or family riders.
Independent suspension smooths rides over the club’s historic stone-bridge crossings.
Integrated USB ports, chilled cooler, and wind-shield defogger—all perfect for New York’s variable climate.
Where to Find Tara Carts & Accessories
Browse the full lineup at Tara golf carts. To arrange a demo, plug your ZIP code into the golf cart dealers locator—authorized New York–metro partners can deliver an Explorer 2+2 for member evaluation days or charity events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the course ever open to the public?
Only via select charity outings or USGA qualifiers announced on the club calendar.
Are cart paths mandatory?
Carts follow the 90-degree rule and remain on paths around par-3 complexes; signage directs during wet conditions.
Are metal spikes allowed?
Metal spikes were banned in 2004; soft-spike replacements are available in the locker room.
Final Thoughts
From its storied USGA roots to its impeccably groomed greens, St. Andrew’s offers a private-club experience steeped in American golf lore. Should you receive an invitation, arrive in proper attire, maintain a brisk pace, and consider upgrading to a Tara Explorer 2+2 for a refined ride between shots. For membership information—or to explore Tara’s premium cart range—contact the club office and your nearest authorized dealer today.
