Wiltwyck is the premier family oriented semi-private club in the mid-Hudson Valley located in Kingston, conveniently off exit 19 of the New York State Thruway. Originally founded in 1933, Wiltwyck relocated to its present location in 1954. Wiltwyck’s golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is widely recognized as a significant test of championship golf. Wiltwyck provides a best in class golf experience for golfers of all ages and levels. The grounds include a pool, fitness center, tennis and pickle ball courts, a banquet facility as well as indoor and patio dinning, all in a relaxed and elegant environment.
Designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. this par 72 layout measures 6,877 yards from the championship tees and has proven to be a challenge even to the most proficient of golfers. Rich in history Wiltwyck dates back to 1933 and moved to it’s present location” in 1954.
Formed in April 1933, the golf club began with a nine-hole course off Hurley Avenue. Twenty years later, construction of the NYS Thruway threatened to slice that course in half, but the resourceful Wiltwyck club took that as an opportunity to purchase the Steward Farm on Steward Lane in the Town of Ulster. In 1955, an 18-hole, par-72 course was unveiled at the new locale, designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones.
“Love this course. Some tricky little tight holes, but some open ones for big hitters. Friendly staff and nice bar.”
Google Review, July 20th, 2019
April 13, 1933
Wiltwyck Golf Club was founded
May 22, 1933
The Club purchased 145.33 acres adjacent to Hurley Avenue in Hurley for $11,000
The original 9-hole golf course was created, and an existing barn was converted into a club house and pro shop
1940s
The Club took off as a place to golf and socialize
April 28, 1953
The NYS Thruway build plan was proposed and laid out
Blue prints for the Thruway called for the original 9-hole course to be cut in half
Construction began and, despite the distraction, golfers continued to play.
Robert Trent Jones, Sr. was retained by the Club to negotiate a settlement with the State and to design a new course
April 30, 1954
Using the proceeds from the State settlement and other borrowed funds, the Club purchased the Steward Farm Club (current location)
New (current) location was littered with stone walls and heavy brush, creating a challenging build
Spring, 1955
At completion in 1955, the new 18-hole, par 72 Wiltwyck layout was 7,005 yards in length from the back tees
1960
The Club added the Pool, expanding amenities for members
Hole 17 was shortened from 600 yards to 545, creating room for the pool
A new pro shop was built along the side of the club house
1980’s
Major bunker renovation throughout course
1985
Full irrigation system was added, dramatically improving the course condition
1992
Major Clubhouse renovation
1994
IBM closed, causing a major loss in membership and a big blow to the surrounding Kingston community
1995
New greens were constructed on holes 7 & 15
2001
Architect Stephen Kay helped the Club make major bunker renovations while adding bunkers on holes 1, 12 and 17 and adding new tees on holes 4, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18
2004
The green on hole 2 was rebuilt and new tees were added on holes 5, 6, 7 and 11
The NY State Men’s Amateur Championship was held at Wiltwyck
November and December 2017
Club close to foreclosure, and was saved by its members
11 members/investors purchased the Club
January 2018
Overhaul to save Wiltwyck began:
Restaurant given long overdue make over and was taken over by a third party group
Luke Burbach brought in from Florida as Head Golf Professional
Jason Nalepa promoted to Superintendent
April 2018
Wiltwyck reopens under new ownership and management
Limited public play permitted