Founded in 1963, Mill River began as the dream of attorney William S. Roach, a Nebraska born Irish-American and WWII pilot.
Roach organized a core group of nine Long Island golfers to join in backing him and committing financial support for what would become an extraordinary new private golf club with a core commitment to maintaining a non-sectarian membership. In picturesque Upper Brookville on the North Shore of Long Island, Roach acquired the “Appledore” estate. The stunning property consists of 126 acres and includes a 47 room Tudor mansion, a stable for fine horses, a pool, both an outdoor court and a glass-roofed, ivy-walled indoor court for tennis. It was the home of the late Henry Davison, partner in Morgan Guaranty Trust, and wife Eleanor, the daughter of Sir Ashley Sparks, head of the Cunard Line.
Design of the picturesque golf course was awarded to course architect Gerald C. Roby, whose career included years of working alongside famed golf course architect William Mitchell. Appledore provided Roby a blank canvas from which to develop two very distinct front and back nine hole courses. The front nine would incorporate the more pastoral setting of meadows, undulating terrain, and the infinite variety of apple orchards. While the back nine was filled with specimen trees and challenging hills. Both would set the scene for an exceptional golf experience.
Eventually, Mill River would go on to hire its first Golf Professional PGA Champion, Jim Turnesa. The impressive mansion would become the clubhouse and over time, major construction brought about the dining room, grills, patios, locker rooms and elegant facilities all the while preserving the original charm of Appledore mansion. The fine golf, tennis, pool facilities and other amenities make Mill River an exceptional club.
What sets Mill River apart from other clubs in the region is its membership. Successive Boards of Governors and the membership at large, have remained committed to the clubs original charter and principles of a diverse membership. In 2019, Mill River underwent a major renovation to our bar, dining and grill room areas. We were able to maintain our elegance and historical facilities while blending in some modern features .
Mill River has thrived over the years with its unique family atmosphere. Generations of younger members enjoy the junior development and summer programs all designed to cater to our youngest golf and racquets enthusiasts. Just as it has over the past 50 years, the Mill River Club has remained true to its past and unwavering in its commitment to provide its membership a diverse and an extraordinary club experience.