Round Hill Club In Greenwich Seeks Major Upgrades To Facilities: Planning And Zoning Docs

GREENWICH, CT — The Round Hill Club is proposing major upgrades to its facilities as part of phase 1 of a long-range master plan.

Phase 1 prioritizes improvements to the club's outdoor racquet facilities, enhancements to the club's golf operations area, including the entrance and bag drop-off area, and the implementation of a golf course restoration and master plan, according to documents recently submitted to the Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission.

The club is requesting a pre-application review of the proposed building and site plan improvements, and anticipates submitting final site plan and special permit applications.

The pre-application process allows for a non-binding discussion with the commission about the pros and cons of a proposal before a substantial investment is made in developing plans, reports and studies.

The Round Hill Club is located on 222 acres at 33 Round Hill Club Road. It was founded in 1922, and has served as a private, nonprofit club ever since.

The property currently features an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse with dining facilities, a swimming pool with a snack bar, outdoor and indoor facilities for racquet sports, maintenance facilities and staff housing.

A strategic master plan for the club has identified capital improvements "designed to preserve the club's traditions and character while enhancing the member experience for current and future generations," said Michele A. Cronin in submitted documents, a representative for the applicant.

Submitted plans for the outdoor racquet facilities include replacement of the club's four existing lighted paddle courts with four new, reoriented lighted paddle courts designed to improve both player sightlines and spectator viewing.

The 1,120 square-foot "Tennis Chalet," which was built in the 1950s, is proposed to be replaced with a new 1.5 story, 3,216 square foot combined racquet pro shop and paddle tennis warming hut, with storage, restrooms and staff office space.

Additionally, two new lighted padel courts are proposed to be built, along with associated site improvements such as an expanded patio with seating and viewing areas.

The golf operations and club entrance project proposes to "remedy longstanding deficiencies and to create a more seamless, functional, and welcoming arrival experience for members participating in golf-related activities."

Specifically, improvements include the replacement of the 1,375-square-foot golf pro shop with a newly designed 1.5-story, 3,733-square-foot golf pro shop with staff offices, storage rooms, and restrooms.

A one-story, 1,979-square-foot golf simulator building is proposed to replace the current simulator space located in the adjacent caddie building. The new facility will house three state-of-the-art simulators -- two for member use and one for instruction and club fittings.

A seasonal employee annex space is proposed to be repurposed into an expanded golf bag storage room with a small ancillary club repair and fitting station.

Additionally, according to the submitted documents, comprehensive site improvements are designed to create an expanded and reimagined vehicular entrance sequence, "providing organized cart staging and a seamless connection between the cub entrance, outdoor bag drop area, and golf operations."

Improvements to the club's Walter Travis-designed golf course are also being proposed.

The club's golf master plan is "intended to balance essential infrastructure renewal with design enhancements that will improve playability, maintain competitive relevance, and enhance the overall member golf experience," the project narrative says.

Golf Digest has the Round Hill Club's golf course ranked as the sixth best in the state of Connecticut, saying it is "a challenging test of golf despite being just 6,525 yards."

It was routed by Walter Travis and Robert Trent Jones in the mid 1960s, Golf Digest says.

"As picturesque as it is difficult, the hole is the highlight of Trent Jones’ work at the club. The club’s topography is quite varied as well, leading to each hole providing intrigue to all who play it," Golf Digest says in its overview of the course.

Several country clubs in town have sought upgrades in recent years, including Greenwich Country Club, Tamarack Country Club, Burning Tree Country Club, and others.