Old York Country Club closed in 2021.
Gary Player has taken to raising fine steeds on his ranch in South Africa following his retirement, but he found a different use altogether for the former horse farm at Old York in Columbus, New Jersey. Instead he’s designed a fine country club, measuring 6,900 yards.
The property rolls so that many of the fairways and greens are separated by valleys of second-cut. Player defends these landing areas with a variety of hazards. Bunkers both big and small pop up in time, and those of all sizes pockmark the lead-up to No. 9. At No. 16, when the architect isn’t using a splash of pot bunkers to defend the fairway, a pair of grass ridges defend the landing area of the second shot. Those who heard Player’s pleas for architects to stop cutting down trees will not be surprised by the hazard mid-fairway at No. 4.
A shadow has loomed over the property since it was first sold during 2012, and plans for redevelopment as a commercial center are under review. That said, Old York has kept its head up and continues to serve members. We’re hoping for the best, but it may be worth getting out to Old York sooner than later.
