Historic Engineers Sold By Members For Likely Development

Victor Ocasio of Newsday reports dreadful news: Engineers Country Club members have voted to sell the historic course to developer RXR. The company intends to get approval for development that would eliminate the Herbert Strong and Devereux Emmet design.

Besides being a sensational course (reviewed here by GCA's Ran Morrissett), it's been a vital part of golf history with its 2 or 20 hole and other bold features. The course has enjoyed restoration efforts by Gil Hanse and Tripp Davis. Apparently, however, the membership has other priorities beyond stewardship of an important early American design.

On Monday, members of Engineers Country Club, which owns the 18-hole championship golf course, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed purchase by Uniondale-based RXR, said Cliff Saffron, president of the club.

The developer proposed buying the course and building a luxury residential project on a portion of the property. A price was not disclosed.

Of the club’s 84 equity members — those who are entitled to a vote — 81 participated in the voting, with 77 in favor and 4 against the RXR proposal, Saffron said. The club has more than 200 members.