You’ve probably driven past those understated stone gates in Purchase more times than you can count. Most people don’t even notice them. Honestly, that’s exactly how the members at Century Country Club Westchester like it. While other clubs in the 914 area code are busy shouting about their new infinity pools or celebrity chef partnerships on Instagram, Century just sort of sits there, quiet and confident. It’s old school.
It's one of those places where the air feels a little thinner, the grass is definitely greener, and the history is so thick you could practically cut it with a divot tool. But what is it, really? Is it just another playground for the ultra-wealthy, or is there something more to its staying power in a world where country clubs are supposedly dying out?
To understand Century, you have to understand the context of Westchester’s "Gold Coast" social scene. We aren't just talking about golf. We’re talking about a legacy that stretches back to the late 1800s.
The Quiet Giant of Purchase
Century isn’t a place you join because you want to be seen; it’s where you go when you’ve already arrived and want a break from the noise. Established in 1898, it originally called the Bronx home before migrating north to its current 175-acre spread in Purchase.
The move wasn't just about space. It was about prestige.
The clubhouse is a masterpiece of English Manor architecture, designed by the legendary McKim, Mead & White. If that name sounds familiar, it should—they’re the same minds behind the original Pennsylvania Station and the Brooklyn Museum. The building doesn't scream "luxury" in that tacky, gold-plated way. It’s more of a "whispered wealth" vibe. Think dark woods, high ceilings, and the kind of armchairs that have probably seen more multi-million dollar deals closed than most Wall Street boardrooms.
The membership has historically been tight-knit. While many Westchester clubs were founded with specific ethnic or social exclusions in the early 20th century, Century carved out its own niche. It has long been recognized for its prominent Jewish membership, serving as a social pillar for families who were often unfairly excluded from other elite spaces in the early 1900s. Today, that legacy of community remains, though the club is more about shared values and a love for the game than anything else.
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Let's Talk About the Golf
If you’re a golfer, you know the name Colt & Alison. If you don’t, basically, they are the rockstars of early 20th-century course design. Harry Colt and C.H. Alison laid the groundwork for Century’s course, and it is a beast.
It’s not long by modern standards—it plays around 6,900 yards from the tips—but it’s tricky. The terrain is classic Westchester: rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, and those nasty, undulating greens that make you want to snap your putter in half.
The course was later refined by Tillinghast and more recently by Ken Dye. It’s a "second shot" course. You can hit a great drive, but if you’re on the wrong side of the fairway, you’re looking at a blind approach or a lie that would make a mountain goat nervous.
- The Signature Holes: Everyone talks about the par-3s. They are visually stunning but mentally exhausting.
- The Condition: Ask any local pro. The greens at Century are consistently ranked among the fastest and truest in the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) circuit.
- The Vibe: No tee times. Seriously. You just show up, talk to the starter, and head out. It’s a level of freedom that’s almost unheard of at this level of exclusivity.
I spoke to a former caddie who spent five summers there. He told me that the most striking thing isn't the difficulty of the 14th hole; it’s the pace of play. Members play fast. They aren't there to linger over a six-hour round. They want to get their 18 in, grab a Cobb salad on the patio, and get back to their lives.
More Than Just a Fairway
The club isn't a one-trick pony. The tennis program is elite, featuring both grass and Har-Tru courts. There’s something deeply satisfying—and slightly pretentious, let's be real—about playing on grass. It’s soft on the knees and makes you feel like you’re at Wimbledon, even if your backhand is a disaster.
The pool area is tucked away, offering a sort of sanctuary for families during those humid July afternoons in New York. But the real heartbeat of the club, besides the first tee, is the dining room.
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The food at Century Country Club Westchester isn't your standard "clubhouse fare." We aren't just talking about frozen chicken tenders and soggy fries. They have a serious culinary program. The focus is on seasonal, local ingredients—often sourced from farms right there in the Hudson Valley.
Why Century Matters in 2026
You might wonder why a club founded in the 19th century is still relevant. Honestly, it’s because they haven't tried to change too much.
In an era where "modernization" often means adding loud music to the driving range and loosening dress codes until people are wearing gym shorts in the dining room, Century has held the line. They have a strict dress code. They value etiquette. To some, that sounds stuffy. To the members, it’s a relief. It’s a predictable environment where "please" and "thank you" still mean something.
That said, they aren't stuck in the dark ages. The club has invested heavily in sustainability. They’ve revamped their irrigation systems to reduce water waste and have implemented organic turf management practices where possible. They know that to keep those 175 acres pristine for the next hundred years, they have to be good stewards of the land.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Century is impossible to get into. Well, okay, it kind of is. You can't just fill out a form on a website. You need sponsors. You need to be vetted. You need to be the right "fit."
But the misconception is that it’s an unfriendly place. It’s actually quite the opposite. Once you’re in, it’s a family. There’s a genuine sense of belonging that you just don't get at the bigger, more commercial clubs in the area.
The Financial Reality
Let's not dance around it. It’s expensive.
Initiation fees at top-tier Westchester clubs like Century, Quaker Ridge, or Winged Foot are usually north of $100,000, and that’s before you even think about annual dues, assessments, and food minimums. It is an investment in a lifestyle. For the people who belong here, the value isn't just in the golf; it’s in the networking, the privacy, and the peace of mind.
The club also has a reputation for being fiscally conservative. They don't carry a ton of debt, which is why they’ve been able to weather economic downturns that have sunk other private clubs.
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Comparing the Purchase Landscape
If you're looking at Century, you're likely also looking at Old Oaks or Blind Brook.
- Old Oaks: Is known for its massive, ornate mansion-style clubhouse and perhaps a slightly more "social" atmosphere.
- Blind Brook: Is famously a men-only club (though that has its own complexities) and is purely about the golf.
- Century: Sits right in the middle. It has the grandeur of Old Oaks but the "golf-first" mentality of Blind Brook. It’s the balanced choice.
Navigating the Experience
If you ever get the chance to play as a guest, don't mess it up.
First, arrive early. The locker room is an experience in itself. The attendants have been there for decades and they know everything. Tip them well.
Second, leave the phone in the car. Most of these high-end clubs have very strict rules about cell phone usage. If you’re caught taking a selfie on the green, you’re probably not getting invited back. Just be present. Enjoy the walk. Take in the view of the Westchester hills.
Third, pay attention to the caddies. Century has one of the best caddie programs in the country. Many of these guys have been looping these hills for 20 years. If they tell you the putt breaks left, it breaks left—even if your eyes tell you otherwise. Trust them.
Actionable Steps for the Interested
If you are actually considering membership or just want to be part of this world, here is how you handle it:
- Find Your Connection: Private clubs are built on relationships. Look through your professional network or your existing social circle. If you don't know a member, you aren't getting in. Period.
- The "Guest" Strategy: If you're a golfer, try to play the course through an MGA event or a charity outing. This gives you a "test drive" of the facilities without the pressure of a formal tour.
- Research the History: Read up on the Colt & Alison design philosophy. Being able to intelligently discuss the layout shows you respect the club’s heritage.
- Patience is Key: These clubs don't move fast. The vetting process can take months, sometimes over a year.
Century Country Club Westchester remains a cornerstone of New York's private club scene because it understands its identity. It doesn't try to be a flashy resort. It’s a sanctuary for those who value tradition, exceptional golf, and a quiet place to escape the grind of the city.
Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just someone who appreciates fine architecture and a well-manicured lawn, there is no denying that Century is a special piece of Westchester history. It’s a reminder of a time when things were built to last, and where your word—and your golf etiquette—actually mattered.