In June 2026, I was fortunate to visit and play Salem Golf Club in North Salem, New York, for a Westchester Seniors event. Joining me were three close friends from Winged Foot—Ben, Derek and Gene.
The Journey North
One of the pleasures of living in Westchester is that some of the region's finest golf courses are little more than an hour away, yet feel a world removed from suburban New York.
Leaving Mamaroneck shortly after 11am, the route north follows I-684 through Bedford and Katonah before emerging into the rolling horse country of northern Westchester. The landscape gradually changes from busy commuter towns to stone walls, white paddock fences, mature woodland and open farmland. It’s an absolutely fabulous part of the United States.
After approximately forty miles, a turn onto Bloomer Road reveals Salem Golf Club, tucked discreetly among mature trees overlooking Peach Lake. Like many outstanding clubs, there is no grand entrance or unnecessary fanfare.
The clubhouse itself occupies the beautifully restored Nichols Farm mansion, providing panoramic views across the practice grounds and several opening holes.
A Brief History
Salem Golf Club was established in 1966 by a group of enthusiastic golfers who sought to create a first-class private club in northern Westchester. Although it has never pursued the limelight of hosting PGA Tour events or USGA championships, Salem has become one of the region's most respected venues, regularly hosting prestigious Westchester Golf Association competitions, including senior championships and the popular Father & Son Championship.
Edward Ryder's Masterpiece
The course was designed by Edward Ryder, an architect whose philosophy was refreshingly straightforward: allow the land to dictate the golf rather than forcing the golf upon the land.
That philosophy is evident from the opening tee. The routing follows the property's natural contours, weaving through mature hardwood forests and across gently rolling terrain. I have to say I felt the opening holes were a bit weak, with a number played in very boggy wetlands areas - not sure you’d get permission today to build a golf course in such land.
The Golf Course
Salem is not a course built around one spectacular "signature hole." The fairways rise and fall naturally across the terrain, creating changing lies and requiring careful club selection throughout the round. Driving accuracy is rewarded, but not through narrow corridors lined with heavy rough. Instead, Ryder places a premium on finding the correct side of the fairway to create the best angle into the greens. Often the temptation is to reach for the driver, yet many holes reward restraint and intelligent positioning; how many of us golfers would admit to playing like that?
The approach shots provide the real examination. The greens are modest in size, and were in quite good condition when we played. I would say they typically had reasonably steep slopes, so missing the wrong side meant a very tough putt downhill to stay on the green. The bunkers were not especially demanding.
This is definitely a cart golf course, as the terrain is very steep in places.
A Day Among Friends
Our Westchester Seniors event was played under ideal summer conditions. The course was beautifully prepared, and I was disappointed to shoot an 81; two sixes and a couple of silly bogies. Still, senior golf has a slightly different atmosphere. Everyone still wants to play well, but there is a growing appreciation of simply being able to spend another day walking a beautiful golf course with friends. That, perhaps, is the greatest luxury of all.