Golf enthusiasts across the region have something extraordinary to look forward to. Tucked among the rolling countryside of Hudson Falls, Richwood National Golf Club is undergoing a remarkable transformation that promises to restore one of the Northeast’s most celebrated public golf courses to its former glory—and then some.
Originally designed by local golf course architect Mike Woodbury and opened in 1991 as Kingswood Golf Club, the course quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest public golf destinations in the Northeast. After changing ownership several times over the years, the property was purchased in October 2024 by Rich Schermerhorn, who immediately embarked on an ambitious multi-million-dollar restoration unlike anything the course has ever seen.
“We’re not just renovating a golf course,” says Schemerhorn. “We’re creating a championship-caliber experience while preserving everything golfers have always loved about this incredible layout.” The vision is clear: honor the course’s rich history while elevating every aspect to modern championship standards.
That vision extends beyond the course itself. He has assembled an experienced team dedicated to bringing the property back to its full potential. Leading course conditions is Superintendent Travis Morris, who joins Richwood from Normanside Country Club. Morris previously worked at the original Kingswood Golf Club, making his return especially meaningful. His familiarity with the course, combined with years of experience, positions him to help restore the playing conditions that golfers once admired. The team also welcomed Patrick Turley, whose extensive golf industry background, including years as a professional caddie, brings valuable insight into the player experience and the club’s continued development.
(Submitted by Shane Harper)
Scheduled to open in the summer of 2027, Richwood National Golf Club will offer a playing experience that is both familiar and dramatically improved.
One of the first priorities was restoring the property itself. Years of overgrowth were cleared away, obsolete equipment and structures were removed, and the natural beauty of the landscape was reclaimed. Beneath the surface, crews installed a state-of-the-art Toro irrigation system valued at more than $2 million, ensuring exceptional course conditions throughout the season.
Mr. Schermerhorn knows that the heartbeat of a golf course is the maintenance and its staff, so the operation has been completely modernized. Four newly constructed maintenance buildings and an impressive fleet of new equipment designed to keep the course in tournament-quality condition. From precision greens and fairway mowers to specialized bunker equipment, aerators, sweepers, utility vehicles, and slope-maintaining machinery, every investment reflects the club’s commitment to excellence.
Golfers will notice significant improvements throughout the course. Fairways have been widened and strategically reshaped to improve drainage and playability. Every tee box is being rebuilt, bunkers are being reconstructed, and each green is being carefully rejuvenated to their original shape. While the routing remains true to Mike Woodbury’s original design, the course has been lengthened from just over 6,500 yards to more than 6,900 yards, creating a more rewarding challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
(Submitted by Shane Harper)
The transformation extends beyond the fairways. Once the golf course restoration is complete, the property’s iconic red barn and farmhouse will be renovated into a beautiful new clubhouse that blends historic charm with modern amenities, creating a welcoming destination for golfers, special events, and the surrounding community.
Richwood Golf Club is more than a renovation, it’s the revival of a golfing landmark. With substantial investment, an experienced leadership team, and a deep respect for the course’s history, Richwood is poised to reclaim its place among the premier golf destinations in the Northeast when it opens in the summer of 2027.
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