In-demand young designer to create plan, oversee future renovations and refinements; calls Donald Ross greens “best I’ve ever encountered”
Mountain Ridge Country Club (Evan Schiller Photography)
WEST CALDWELL, N.J., (Mar. 29, 2022) – Mountain Ridge Country Club—home of a 1930 Donald Ross design currently ranked 90th in the U.S. by Golf Magazine and recent site of the LPGA’s Cognizant Founders Cup—has hired Andrew Green, of A.H. Green Design/Green Golf & Turf, Inc., as its new restoration architect.
Green will evaluate current golf course plans and provide input, while also identifying potential areas of improvement. When he and the club determine the time is right, select holes and putting surfaces will be refined.
He comes off a string of high-profile renovation projects, including renovation of Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course in preparation for a series of PGA of America championships, highlighted by this year’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the 2031 PGA Championship, and the 2037 Ryder Cup.
Green also has earned high praise for his recent renovations of other Ross designs, including Oak Hill Country Club’s East Course (2023 PGA Championship), Inverness Club (2027 U.S. Women’s Open), Scioto Country Club, and Wannamoisett Country Club. He is currently preparing a renovation master plan for the golf course and practice facilities at East Lake Golf Club, site of the TOUR Championship.
“It’s hard to deny the quality of golf and of Ross’s routing at Mountain Ridge,” said Green. “And the commitment of the members to the game and their course is second to none. It’s infectious to be around.”
“We are excited to work with Andrew,” said club president Robert Brener. “He is the perfect choice to both showcase Donald Ross’s brilliant original design and ensure the course remains fresh and challenging for the next generation.”
Busy as he is, Green was drawn to Mountain Ridge in part due to the quality of the greens, which he said were “the best Ross putting surfaces I’ve ever encountered.
“I’d love to have a conversation with Ross about his mindset about them,” Green said. “They have spectacular contours, are aggressive and bold but at the same time subtle and unique, with a lot of usable space. They’re inspired, for sure!”
Until retiring last year, course architect Ron Prichard had a 25-year-long relationship with Mountain Ridge, overseeing extensive tree clearing as well as many other projects, plus preparation for the club hosting the 2012 U.S. Senior Amateur.
“I look forward to picking up the baton from Ron and all his great work over the years,” said Green. “I want to carry on the wonderful Ross tradition and make the club the best it can be.”
For more information, www.mountainridgecc.org.
