Club Life

CLUBLIFE

THE TOWN’S COUNTRY CLUBS ATTRACT A SPORTY, SOCIAL CROWD

For many residents of our town, private clubs form the nexus of their social lives. For others, they provide a welcome respite from a busy work week. It’s no surprise that club culture is deeply woven into the fabric of this community, and with 15 to choose from, there is something to fit most tastes and budgets. In addition to traditional country clubs—which offer everything from championship golf and tennis to swimming, squash, trap, skeet and indoor bowling— there are community clubs, yacht clubs and a location dedicated to racket sports. All offer fantastic outlets for kids, including summer camps and a variety of junior sailing, golf, swim and tennis programs. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, these clubs host outdoor barbecues, shore dinners, classic regattas and competitive swim races.

The town’s seven country clubs feature beautifully designed golf courses that roll and rise along tree-lined fairways. Located just off Doubling Road in mid-country, the oldest among them, GREENWICH COUNTRY CLUB, dates back to 1892. Behind its white-brick façade, grand interiors strike an elegant note. From the outdoor terrace, diners are afforded a sweeping view of Long Island Sound. The spacious pool area has a sleek, resort feel. Nearby, at the end of Perkins Road, the stone-and-clapboard clubhouse of BURNING TREE sits amid elegantly landscaped grounds. In the backcountry, off North Street, discreet stone pillars mark the entrance to STANWICH CLUB, generally considered home to one of the most challenging courses in the state. ROUND HILL CLUB is tucked at the end of a winding road off Round Hill; its low-slung gray clapboard clubhouse evokes an English countrymanor feel. Also in the backcountry is TAMARACK COUNTRY CLUB, founded in 1929. Its restored Charles Bank-designed course has been challenging golfers for decades. The history of FAIRVIEW COUNTRY CLUB is full of twists and turns. First established in Westchester in 1904, it was displaced twice over the years by highway construction. Now located off King Street, a grand brick clubhouse overlooks a Robert Trent Jones course, which was built in 1968. In Old Greenwich, the INNIS ARDEN GOLF CLUB features all the sporty bells and whistles a family might want, including a tennis bubble for winter play. And, of course, when the snow falls, the fairways behind the clubhouse serve as prime sledding territory.

Greenwich also boasts two superb yacht clubs, both of In 2019, Stanwich Club was awarded “The Best Golf Club in Connecticut” by Golf Digest. Other facilities include a clubhouse, dining venues, tennis courts, swimming pool and paddle courts. (above); With a beautiful view of the Cos Cob Harbor, Riverside Yacht Club hosts many regattas each summer. (opposite)

which date back to the late nineteenth century. First founded in 1888 as a club for the local community, RIVERSIDE YACHT CLUB has long been a major contender in yachting circles. It has a superb marina, pool, tennis courts and a strong competitive sailing program for kids and adults alike. Closer to downtown Greenwich sits the grande dame of yacht clubs. Built in 1889 on land leased from Boss Tweed, INDIAN HARBOR is first and foremost a yacht club with a rich history tied to famous ocean racers and the America’s Cup. Adding to its allure is the picturesque setting at the mouth of Greenwich Harbor; at night, dining on the terrace is a singular experience. Although not technically a yacht club, the GREENWICH WATER CLUB in Cos Cob offers water activities, plus three pools and a riverfront setting. There’s an on-site rowing facility and storage for shells, a modern fitness center and a chic dining room, all of which add to the family-friendly atmosphere.

The town also has several highly sought-after community clubs. Established in 1929, the MILBROOK CLUB’s elegant Tudor clubhouse anchors a delightful nine-hole golf course, swimming, tennis, paddle tennis and lakeside dining. There’s more good news for prospective members of this club: Milbrook offers an ex-pat program for families relocating to Greenwich from overseas. In Old Greenwich, the ROCKY POINT CLUB is a seasonal option for families who enjoy the breezy, barefoot vibe, while BELLE HAVEN CLUB—with its shingle-style clubhouse, prime waterfront setting and active sailing program—is designed for residents of Belle Haven. In Glenville, the BAILIWICK CLUB offers swimming and tennis in summer and paddle tennis in winter. In a category all its own, the FIELD CLUB of Greenwich is dedicated to racket sports, with a choice of grass and clay courts, plus paddle tennis and squash. There are theme evenings, pool parties and Shakespeare lectures. In keeping with its understated profile, the club’s entrance is simply marked by a pair of lanterns embossed with the letters “FC.”

RESOURCES

Bailiwick Club of Greenwich 12 Duncan Drive 203-531-7591 thebailiwickclub.com

Belle Haven Club 100 Harbor Drive 203-861-5353 bellehavenclub.com

Burning Tree Country Club 120 Perkins Road 203-869-9004 burningtreecc.org

Fairview Country Club 1241 King Street 203-531-6200 fairviewcountryclub.org

The Field Club 276 Lake Ave. 203-869-1300 fcofgreenwich.com Greenwich Country Club 19 Doubling Road 203-869-1000 greenwichcountryclub.org

Greenwich Water Club 49 River Road Cos Cob, 203-661-4033 greenwichwaterclub.com

Indian Harbor Yacht Club 710 Steamboat Road 203-869-2484 indianharboryc.com

Innis Arden Golf Club 120 Tomac Ave. Old Greenwich 203-637-6900 innisardengolfclub.com

The Milbrook Club 61 Woodside Drive 203-869-4540 milbrookclub.com Riverside Yacht Club 102 Club Road Riverside 203-637-1706 riversideyc.org

Rocky Point Club 60 Rocky Point Road Old Greenwich 203-637-2397 rockypointclub.com

Round Hill Club 33 Round Hill Club Road 203-869-2350 rhclub.org

The Stanwich Club 888 North Street 203-869-0555 stanwich.com

Tamarack Country Club 55 Locust Road 203-531-7300 tamarackcountryclub.com