Muttontown Club

New Yorkers - particularly those on Long Island - in search of a private club that has it all, should seriously consider Muttontown Club.

The first thing that most people notice - and are in awe of - when they arrive at Muttontown Club is the mansion that serves as the clubhouse. This elegant 70,000-square-foot Georgian mansion took five years to build and was completed in 1919 by Howard C. Brokaw, owner of Brokaw Brothers Clothiers of New York City. It was nicknamed "The Chimneys" because of the 13 chimneys and 26 fireplaces spread throughout the 44-room home, which would later become the home of Henry Fonda and his family. It was Brokaw's wish that the property would eventually become an exclusive country club.

The estate sat vacant for about 15 years. Robert Leibowitz, son of retired State Supreme Court Justice Samuel S. Leibowitz, was one of the three men who bought the property and leased it back to the members.

Even with all its opulent luxury, the founders of The Muttontown Club believed that something was missing from this magnificent estate. As they surveyed the property with its rolling hills and beautiful gardens, they felt that the property was ideally suited for a golf course.

In 1960, the Club's founders purchased the property and put plans in motion to make the golf course dream become a reality. The course was originally designed by Alfred H. Tull and has since undergone updates at the hands of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1968 and the firm of Finger Dye Spann in 1971, and has maintained much of its classic charm while incorporating modern elements. The parkland-style golf course is situated on 150 acres and features mature tree-lined fairways that are meticulously maintained, rolling terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and speedy, well-undulated putting surfaces. To score well, you'd be wise to keep your approach shots below the hole. The golf course opened in 1962, and these days, The Muttontown Club is regarded as one of the most beautiful country clubs in the New York metropolitan area.

Over the years, the club has had its ups and downs. In 2017, despite its great location and affluent demographics, Muttontown faced many of the same challenges that many local equity clubs were dealing with. Thirteen other private clubs in the area were competing for the same shrinking group of affluent golfers who were required to commit and sign a one-year contract. Many of these competing clubs were waiving huge initiation fees, and groups of golfing buddies would "shop" their group to other local clubs in search of the best deal.

To further complicate matters, Muttontown's membership was shrinking. A series of assessments had increased annual fees significantly, and only 125 equity members remained. The club also owed millions in refunds to members holding certificates. Their financial obligation with two different banks was another issue: it consumed nearly 100 percent of its annual revenues, and the annual debt service was killing the club. Things got worse in 2017 when the first lender sold off its loan portfolio, and the new lender wanted a formidable down payment.

Muttontown Club tried to recover by hiring a 3rd party management company, but ever-increasing dues and assessments, and declining membership led to capital projects being deferred and rising debt levels. Things were no better than before.

The board considered selling some land to help, so they called on Ridgewood Real Estate, which had family members who were long-time Muttontown club members and had dealt with other clubs in similar situations. They quickly sized up the number of lots that could be developed on the property and gave the Board an estimated price it could pay for everything: golf course, clubhouse, et al. Knowing that the offer was ridiculously low, they suggested calling Concert Golf Partners and recapitalizing the property. By doing this, they could keep the Club intact. And members would never be charged an assessment.

Shortly after purchasing the club, Concert Golf significantly reduced membership dues in several categories. Membership sales quickly soared; locals who had considered the club in the past were now giving it a second look and liking what they saw. Over the next two years, Muttontown would add over 110 new members and decrease the average age by ten years!

Concert Golf Partners also made good on the capital improvements they promised. Golf course renovations to the driving range, greens, tee boxes, and bunkers got underway quickly. Repairs to the parking lot, pool deck, HVAC system, and roof were just some of the undertakings.

These days, The Muttontown Club is more of a family-oriented, resort-style private club. All aspects and club amenities are now being used, especially by younger members and their families. New activities pop up on the social calendar regularly. More golf course and clubhouse renovations are already being discussed.

I recently had the opportunity to visit and play Muttontown Club with Director of Golf Sean Sanders and Assistant Pro Rob Senatore; two guys who were knowledgeable and fun to play with. There were several holes I remember fondly, starting with Number 1, a short par 4, dogleg left that plays 323 yards. Play your tee shot right of the fairway bunker on the left to leave yourself the best angle into the green. A good drive will leave a short pitch shot into a slightly elevated triangular green with two bunkers on the right, one on the left, and a false front. You may want to consider something less than a driver off the tee. With the clubhouse to your left as you tee off, don't be surprised to find a crowd watching you as your round gets underway.

Beginning with the 3rd hole, you'll start to see trees on either side leading you down the fairway. Number 3 plays 426 yards from the Blue Tees and starts with a tough tee shot up a narrow chute to a narrow fairway. Longball hitters need to be aware of the fairway bunker on the right side. A good drive will still leave a long approach shot into a green protected by three bunkers in front, including one in the middle of the fairway. The green sits well below the fairway.

The finishing hole is a 373-yard par 4 with a slight dogleg left and an uphill approach to the green. Unless you're a long hitter, favor the right side of the fairway off the tee; longball hitters can aim just right of the left side bunkers and carry it past the dogleg. Consider an extra club on your approach shot, but not too much, lest you find the back patio! The green slopes from back to front and can be quite slippery, so it's best to putt from below the hole.

Before your round, warm up on Muttontown Club's impressive practice facilities, which include a two-sided driving range, a short game area with a chipping green, and two putting greens.

If the weather outside is not conducive to golf, consider the Simulator Room. It's a great place to host a party or an off-season golf event. The Trackman simulator allows you to play famous courses all over the world from the comfort of the clubhouse; it's a great way to spend quality time with the family, challenge friends, or improve your game by practicing shots, approach shots, chips, and drives.

For Members who enjoy the courts over the course, Muttontown offers 5 Har-Tru clay tennis courts. The tennis staff can put together tennis activities to improve your game, including clinics and children's programs. Other recreational amenities include a fully staffed fitness center, basketball court, and an oversized free-form pool and splash pad with a spacious deck, plenty of lounge chairs, and the Pool House Grill just a few steps away. Muttontown's culinary team puts together delicious entrees year-round in The Clubhouse and on the Terrace. Members enjoy barbecues, wine tastings, casual nights, pool parties, card games, and so much more!

Muttontown's free-form pool is a great place for the entire family to gather and enjoy what the club has to offer. Mom and Dad can bask in the sun on the spacious deck while the kids can play in the brand new, interactive splash pad or use some of the floaties, games, and toys that are readily available. The Pool House Grille has a full-service kitchen and serves sandwiches, refreshing beverages, icy treats, and more! It's like a tropical vacation - anytime you desire.

Inside the now-revamped clubhouse, you'll find the administrative offices, a pro shop, three dining rooms, several conference rooms, a fitness facility, card rooms, and locker rooms. The locker rooms are second to none with large lockers crafted from the finest wood, luxurious showers, and a steam room. Muttontown is one of the most distinguished clubs in the area and was once described by a well-known New York golf commentator as "Sumptuous."

Rumor has it that the club boasts some of the best cuisine on Long Island; many describe a "perfect" day at Muttontown club as playing nine holes, heading inside the clubhouse for lunch, and then playing the 2nd nine. We waited until the entire round was finished before enjoying the fine cuisine!

As you can imagine, The Muttontown Club is a popular venue for weddings. The ballroom can accommodate 250 guests; three other rooms are perfect for hosting more intimate events and celebrations. The outdoor terrace is often used for outdoor wedding ceremonies and cocktail receptions.

The Muttontown Club has everything you'd expect to find in a private club. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit their website at www.themuttontownclub.com.