Organized on September 25, 1894 and incorporated July 22, 1895, Knollwood was one of the earliest golf clubs formed in this country. It can be accurately asserted that the Knollwood property is the oldest enduring golfing site in Westchester County.

In 1890, Augustus T. Gillender, a prominent New York attorney, purchased seventy-five acres of farmland in Westchester County. Fifty additional acres were acquired later to enlarge the golf course. By 1891, Gillender had begun plotting property sites, grading and macadamizing the streets, constructing sewers, laying water mains, and erecting a club house.

He named the grounds Knollwood in deference to its picturesque location overlooking a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. His vision: to convert the property into a self-contained, exclusive community fashioned after Tuxedo Park, complete with country club facilities.

Over a century later, Knollwood has perpetuated its early spirit in maintaining a family club where members enjoy the camaraderie of their peers and have their families participate in all club activities. A 1928 Knollwood newsletter editorialized the "Knollwood Spirit" in a sentimental paragraph below:

"There is 'something' about Knollwood noticeable to strangers, as well as to members who visit other clubs the world over, which causes them to say, 'there's nothing like it anywhere.' It is fine to realize as the years go on that this 'something' perpetuates itself. It is cherished and carried on by the older members and taken up gladly by the new, that finer, gentle feeling around the traditions of Knollwood gets into their bones."