Our golf course, often referred to as a "hidden gem" by industry professionals, has a storied history.
Metropolis was originally designed by Herbert
Strong in 1904 and then significantly enhanced by A.W. Tillinghast in the
1920’s. Over the ensuing years, small
changes to the course moved Metropolis away from the original design intent. As
pioneers in the Metropolitan area, 2013 saw the club engage noted architect Ron
Forse to embark on a total restoration project, intended to return Metropolis
to the original Strong/Tillinghast vision. The scope of work included the
renovation and reinstatement of over 100 bunkers. All the greens were restored
and expanded to original size, with reconstruction and slope grading altered on
others to accommodate modern green speeds. A full tee box renovation was
implemented, lengthening most holes, and adding many forward tee locations. An
extensive tree management program was established, including the trimming and
removal of unnecessary trees, in conjunction with the implementation of over
thirty acres of native fescue, this enhanced definition and reduced
environmental impacts. Under Forse’s guidance, accompanied by old imagery and
considering the impact of modern technology, the golf experience at Metropolis has
been elevated to among the very finest within this historical golfing region. All
of this, coupled with industry leading agronomic practices, has enhanced playability
for every level of golfer, offering a rewarding challenge to all handicap
levels.
Our course is a challenging 6,878-yard
par 70 experience from the championship tees (6,587 yards from the Member tees
and 5,074 yards from the forward tees) and features many doglegs, uneven lies,
canted fairways and undulating greens, all of which test every aspect of even the
most accomplished players’ shot-making ability. Metropolis is consistently
ranked as one of the top courses in the Metropolitan Area, and our signature
sixth hole has been ranked by many golf publications as one of the 18 best
holes in the Metropolitan Area and among the 500 best holes in the world. Over
the years, Metropolis has hosted every major regional Professional and Amateur
Championship, along with USGA sectional qualifiers.
In addition to the championship
golf course, Metropolis offers standout practice facilities, a feature seldom
available at older clubs. Included in this is a full-length driving range,
chipping green, putting green and short game area, all of which have been
renovated. In the spring of 2016, we debuted our newly designed and expanded practice
tee and chipping area, which provides members and guests with a large natural
grass range open throughout our season (together with a covered artificial
hitting surface for inclement weather). And
in 2021, we added a spectacular, secluded 45,000 sq. ft. short game facility,
which includes two greens, large practice bunkers and substantial pitching and
chipping practice space.
All our golf facilities are
supported by new state-of-the-art infrastructure through investments by our
club community over the past several years. With changing climates and the
desire to provide consistent playing conditions throughout the year, the club
has completely renovated the water management system for the course. The golf course
has become entirely self-sufficient with water usage, resulting in
environmentally focused stability for many years to come.