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The History

of Rockaway River Country Club

In 1915,

The Rockaway River Country Club’s nine-hole course was originally routed by Tom Gourlay and George Low. Gourlay, a Scotsman with a strong family background in golf, immigrated to the United States prior to World War I and served as Head Golf Professional at both Suburban Golf Club and Baltusrol Golf Club. He became Rockaway River’s first Head Golf Professional, holding that title from 1916 to 1921.

Low, Baltusrol’s first Head Golf Professional and the designer of its original “Old Course,” also contributed to many early course routings throughout New Jersey.

Following the surge in golf’s popularity after World War I, the Club commissioned Devereux Emmet to design a second nine, which opened for play in 1923. Emmet—also known for his work at Garden City Golf Club and Congressional Country Club—was celebrated for his ability to utilize natural land contours and for his creative bunkering. His designs often featured unconventional elements such as par-6 holes and blind shots, characteristics that remain evident in Rockaway River’s layout today.

Since 1985,

Brian Silva has served as the Club’s course architect. Known for his extensive portfolio of high-end restorations of America’s most renowned Gilded Age courses—including Seminole Golf Club, Olympia Fields Country Club, and Cherry Hills Country Club—Silva has focused at Rockaway River on enhancing strategic variety. His work emphasizes creating diverse playing options around the greens, repositioning bunkers to challenge players, improving sightlines, and adding yardage to meet the demands of the modern game.

In 2019,

The Club began the first of three phases of a comprehensive Master Plan renovation. Brian Silva once again oversaw the Club's most recent course enhancements, which included the expansion and redesign of the outting green, as well as bunker renovations throughout the course.

The Clubhouse also underwent its first significant redesign in many years as part of this project. The front entrance was completely reimagined and updated to enhance the overall aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere of Rockaway River. The Members' Grille was also entirely renovated with updated finishes, improved seating configurations and a refreshed layout - creating a more inviting and comfortable space for our Proprietary members and their guests.

The second phase, completed in the Spring of 2021, included the addition of a permanent roof over a portion of the patio dining area, the introduction of an outdoor Patio Bar, and the expansion and redesign of the Main Dining Room - all thoughtfulld designed to enhance dining flexibility and better accommodate the Club's growing membership.

By 2022,

The third phase of the Master Plan was underway with a complete upgrade to the golf course irrigation system. The Club also expanded the racquets program, with the addition of two new Platform Tennis Courts, significantly enhancing playing opportunities for members.

Construction also began on the Club's new Performance Center, featuring two indoor/outdoor hitting bays equipped with state-of-the-art Trackman Technology, providing members with the ability to practice and improve their game year round.

In addition, the pool and surrounding areas were enhanced during this phase, including the addition of an outdoor Pool Bar situated at the back of the Performance Center. These upgrades created a more connected and elevated poolside experience, further enhancing the Club's resort-style atmospere.

The Future.

Looking ahead, the future of Rockaway River Country Club is one we embrace with great excitement. The Club remaind committed to the continual enhancement of its facilities and amenities, with a strong focus on elevating the overall member experience. Through thoughtful planning and ongoing investments in the Club, Rockaway River will continue to evolve while preserving the traditions and sense of community that define the Club.