1660's - Land of Overlooks

The parcel of land that The Creek sits on today was once owned by the Matinecocks, an Alogonquin tribe whose name meant "the land of the overlooks." In 1664 the British gained control of Long Island and Manhattan and purchased 250 acres of that Matinecock land, which was eventually divided and sold to seven families of settlers in 1667. One of the settlers was William Simson, who sold his parcel to the Frost family in 1674. 

1674-1890 The Frost Family Settlement

The Frost family settled in 1674, after purchasing their land from William Simson. The land remained in their family until it was sold in 1890. The Frost family cemetery remains on the grounds today, directly behind the 17th green, with some of its gravestones dating as far back as 1776.

1890-1914 Veraton

 Veraton, named after his daughter Vera, was built in 1890 by corporate lawyer, Paul Cravath. Cravath's estate encompassed 600 acres of lawn, gardens, woodlands, farmlands, and a small picturesque lake as well as the lavish estate home. Eventually, two fires (one in 1908 and one in 1914) disheartened Cravath, and he sold the property and moved to nearby Duck Pond Road. The original foundation of Veraton can still be seen today near the 6th tee at The Creek, and the entrance gates and path of linden trees still serve as The Creek's driveway.

In response to a need for an intimate and more family friendly club near Manhattan, a syndicate headed by Henry Davidson purchased the 600 acre estate from prominent local attorney, Paul Cravath. Harvey Gibson, the president of Manufacturer’s Trust Bank, was approached with the idea. He brought in Frank Crocker.  Crocker suggested that “we consult and obtain the views of Charles B. Macdonald, the father of golf and the person who laid out many famous courses in the east.” - George Bahto, an excerpt from The Evangelist of Golf: The Story of Charles Blair Macdonald

1922 - Founding Fathers

In late 1922, an Organizing Committee was created with the intention of forming a club. This committee became The Creek’s founding members; Vincent Astor, George F. Baker Jr., Frank L. Cocker, Henry Davidson, Marshal Field, Harvey D. Gibson, Clarence H. Mackay, Charles B. Macdonald, J.P. Morgan, Herbert L. Pratt, Harry Payne Whitney, and John D. Ryan, among others.

1923 - The Million Dollar Club

In 1923, the New York Times dubbed The Creek the “Million Dollar Golf Club,” asserting that it was “undoubtedly the richest golf club in the world.” The reporter also claimed the golf course to be “unique, the finest golf course in the country, if not the world.”

2010 - Beach House Reborn

In 2010, a project to replace the Beach House Casino commenced. This vital upgrade took over a decade of planning and upgraded the facility in every way. The Beach House continues to be the vibrant centerpiece of every summer season at The Creek.

2017 - Golf Course Restoration

In 2017, under the expert guidance of renowned architect Gil Hanse, The Creek underwent a major restoration ensuring that the course will continue to live up to C. B. Macdonald’s extraordinary vision well into the future..