We first visited the Mahopac golf club in 2019 to advise the Club on adding new teeing grounds for their 7th hole, a long par 5 which was in need of a true middle and forward tee. The work was successfully implemented that season and the Club hired Stein Golf Design in 2020 to create a comprehensive master plan report—

“We are delivering this master plan to the Mahopac Golf Club with great pride and excitement for the future of the Club.  The report is full of background information and should be used as a road map for the Club to pursue the continual improvement of the golf course.  The report addresses the structural defects with the existing bunkers and agronomic inconsistencies with the greens left over from previous renovations. The plan also focuses on deferred tree work and much needed upgrades to the irrigation system.  The overall report provides the basis for the renovation and restoration  of the golf course to its architectural roots.  Following the framework of this plan will be essential to ensure the success of this Club for decades to come.  

Mahopac’s golf course has gone through several renditions over its + 100 year history, expanding and changing along with the needs of its members.  Originally designed as a 6 hole layout along the eastern shore of lake Mahopac by golf architect Tom Bendelow, the growing interest in golf at the turn of the 20th century quickly called for the expansion of the golf course and moving the clubhouse to its current location.  In 1913, the members called upon the renowned golf architect Devereux Emmet to design their 18 hole golf course.  His design was undoubtedly a very fine layout as the heart of the golf course and routing remain largely intact, despite having lost some of the more extreme and adventurous “hill holes” toward the northernmost parts of the property.  It is a shame to have lost these original holes, but the routing which we currently enjoy is far more usable and walkable for all to enjoy.  

Emmet’s design concepts along with the aerial record of his work from 1933, will be our cornerstone for the overall concept and goals of the master plan project.  We are proposing ideas based on historical records and will also work with the conditions of the existing golf course, to adapt and deliver a genuine Emmet design, without wholesale reconstructive surgery.  Any restoration, renovation, or outright alteration will be considered within the Club’s budgetary capabilities to operate and maintain the golf course in a sustainable manner for years to come.  I wholeheartedly stand behind the ideas presented within this report and believe with confidence that the value added by restoring the Mahopac golf course back to its original design intent will not only add to member enjoyment but also attract and retain enthusiastic golfers to this unique and exciting golf course.”