Country Club of Rochester

The Country Club of Rochester traces its origins to 1895 and occupies rolling terrain in the town of Pittsford, just southeast of Rochester. Donald Ross designed the original eighteen holes in the 1920s, establishing the fundamental character of the layout with his signature greens and strategic bunkering. Robert Trent Jones Sr. later made modifications to the course, and more recently Gil Hanse led a restoration effort to recapture Ross's design principles while adapting the course to modern tournament standards. The routing moves across varied topography with elevation changes that create natural drama and strategic interest. Ross's influence remains evident in the green complexes, which feature subtle contours and require careful approach play. The property includes mature trees that frame holes without overly constricting play, and several holes incorporate natural water features. The course has hosted significant amateur championships, including multiple USGA events, establishing its reputation as a thorough test of golf in the Northeast. The club maintains a traditional private club atmosphere reflective of its long history in the Rochester community. Members include families with multi-generational ties to the institution, and the clubhouse supports year-round social and dining activities typical of established country clubs in the region. The course remains a fixture in discussions of classic American golf architecture, particularly among those interested in Ross's body of work and its thoughtful stewardship through subsequent renovations.