Pound Ridge Golf Club

Westchester County is known for its collection of private golf courses from Golden Age architects, so it’s somewhat appropriate that arguably the modern era’s most prominent architect, Pete Dye, designed an upscale public option for the region.

Although on the opposite end of the county from the Hudson River valley, there are still many views to be had, as the course sits on some of the area’s highest terrain. And, although that doesn’t quite make it a mountain, there are plenty rock formations to make you think otherwise. Dye uses the stone to create some of his less-than-subtle signature statements. The tee shot at the par five No. 13 will be over an enormous boulder that blocks views of at least part of the fairway.

Things really come to a head (pun coming) at No. 15, the par three named “Headstone” (ha!). This short requires a forced carry across a marsh, but players should be just as careful not to overshoot this long green; a huge mass of rock sits behind and most rebounds will land — you guessed it — in the drink.

As a fun bit on trivia, the course was founded and remains operated by Kenneth Wang, the brother of designer Vera Wang.