The “Metropolitan Golf Links” was formed in 1915 with the purchase of 125 acres of Quaker Ridge property, on which John Duncan Dunn designed and built a nine-hole golf course. In 1916, the “Golf Links” was beset by financial problems, and a small group of businessmen formed “Quaker Ridge Golf Club” and purchased the existing property.
Tillinghast was commissioned to redesign 7 holes and build 11 new ones. The new course opened in 1918.
For the next few years, a white clapboard house served as the clubhouse. In 1923, a new Tudor-styled clubhouse was constructed and opened with a testimonial dinner for the Club’s first president, William Rice Hochster. Hochster, who served as president from 1916-1928, lived just to the right of the first hole, where he could watch over golfers and provide surprise lessons in golf etiquette.
The golf course continues to stand the test of time. During the 1974 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, Jack Nicklaus, was asked whether he thought that Winged Foot was the greatest course in the world. Nicklaus replied: “That may be, but there is quite a golf course down the street.” In 1969, Jimmy Demaret described “Quaker Ridge as the most underrated Golf Course in the New York Area, because it has never been host course to a major championship.” Demaret stated: “I’d like to go on record as saying it would be a tough test of golf for any tournament – the U.S. Open and the PGA included.” Two-time PGA Champion Paul Runyon, who played the 1936 Metropolitan Open at Quaker, described Quaker Ridge as, , “the greatest golf course in the world.”
Finally, two-time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw, said of Quaker Ridge: “It is so much of a treat to play. There is such a beautiful mix of holes at Quaker Ridge; it is truly a Tillinghast gem. I am sure the membership is very proud of their course.”