You’re driving up Zukor Road, past the suburban sprawl of Rockland County, and suddenly the trees open up. It feels different. There’s this massive stretch of green that looks like it belongs in the English countryside rather than five minutes from a New York State Thruway exit. This is Paramount Country Club on Zukor Road in New City NY, and honestly, it’s one of those places that people think they know, but they usually only have half the story.
Most folks around here just see the gates or hear about the weddings. They don't realize they're standing on the former estate of Adolph Zukor. Yeah, that Zukor—the founder of Paramount Pictures.
It's a weirdly beautiful mix of Hollywood history and high-end golf.
If you grew up in New City, you've probably driven past those stone walls a thousand times. You might have even snagged a glimpse of the clubhouse from the road. But the vibe inside? It’s not that stuffy, old-money atmosphere you might expect from a private club with this kind of pedigree. It’s got a bit more soul than that.
The Zukor Legacy and Why It Matters
Let’s get the history out of the way because it’s actually cool. Adolph Zukor didn't just want a house; he wanted a kingdom. In the early 20th century, he bought up hundreds of acres here. He called it "Mountain View Farm." Imagine a movie mogul at the height of the silent film era wandering around these hills, deciding where to put a private night club and a guest house for stars like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.
That’s the DNA of Paramount Country Club.
When you walk into the clubhouse today, you aren't just in a modern facility. You’re in a space that was literally built to entertain the biggest names in the world. The architecture reflects that. It’s grand. It’s got these soaring lines and a sense of permanence that you just don't get with "new" country clubs built in the 90s.
Eventually, the estate transitioned. In the late 1940s, it became a club. But it kept the name. It kept the flair.
The Golf: It’s Not Just About the Views
The course is the big draw. Obviously.
Tillinghast. If you know golf, that name should make your ears perk up. A.W. Tillinghast is the legend behind Bethpage Black and Winged Foot. He’s the guy who designed the original holes here. Later, Francis Duane and even Jim Fazio put their fingerprints on the layout.
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It’s a par 70, and it’s tricky.
It isn't a "bomber's course" where you can just swing out of your shoes and find the fairway. It’s about angles. It’s about navigating these undulating hills that characterize the Ramapo Mountains foothills. You’ve got elevation changes that will make your club selection a total nightmare if you aren't paying attention.
Honestly, the 14th hole? It’s iconic. It’s a par 3 that feels like you’re hitting into a postcard.
The greens are usually lightning fast. If you’re playing here in mid-July, you better have a soft touch, or you’re going to be three-putting all afternoon. People often compare the maintenance here to the top-tier private courses in Westchester, but without that weirdly aggressive "don't-look-at-me" vibe.
More Than Just a Golf Course
Look, plenty of places have 18 holes. Paramount Country Club on Zukor Road in New City NY tries to be more of a "resort" lifestyle thing.
They have tennis. They have a pool that gets packed in the summer. They have a fitness center. But the food is what people actually talk about. Most country club food is... fine. It's a Caesar salad and a burger. Paramount actually puts some effort into the culinary side. They do these wine dinners and seasonal menus that actually reflect what's growing in the Hudson Valley.
The member demographic has shifted over the last decade, too.
It used to be very much the "old guard." Now? You see a lot of younger families who moved out of the city during the pandemic and landed in Clarkstown or Upper Nyack. They want the amenities, but they also want a place where their kids can run around without someone shushing them every five seconds.
Membership Reality Check
Is it expensive? Yeah. It’s a private club in Rockland County.
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But compared to the initiation fees at some of the prestigious clubs just across the Tappan Zee—now the Mario Cuomo Bridge—it’s actually somewhat grounded. They offer different tiers. There’s the full golf membership, obviously. But they also have social memberships.
A social membership is basically for people who want the pool, the dining, and the "scene" without necessarily needing to lose six balls in the rough every Saturday morning.
Weddings and the "Zukor Road" Aesthetic
If you're reading this, there’s a 40% chance you aren't looking for a golf membership. You’re probably a bride or a groom trying to figure out if this place is worth the drive.
Here is the truth: The photo ops are insane.
Because of the elevation, you get these sweeping views of the property that make it look like you're in the middle of nowhere, even though you’re right in New City. The stone fountain, the grand staircase, the way the light hits the ballroom—it’s built for Instagram, even though it was built long before the internet existed.
The ballroom can hold a massive crowd. We're talking 300+ people.
One thing people forget is the outdoor ceremony space. It’s set against the backdrop of the hills. If you get lucky with a sunset in September or October, the foliage is basically a natural filter. It’s stunning.
Dealing with the Logistics
New City isn't exactly a transit hub.
If you’re coming from Manhattan, you’re looking at a 45 to 60-minute drive depending on how much the George Washington Bridge wants to ruin your life that day. If you’re coming from North Jersey, it’s a breeze.
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Parking is plentiful. The staff is generally praised for being "on it," which is a big deal when you’re paying private club dues. There’s nothing worse than a club where you feel like you’re bothering the waiter by ordering a drink. Paramount seems to have avoided that trap.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think it’s exclusive to the point of being exclusionary.
It’s not.
While it is private, the club is very active in the local New City and larger Rockland community. They host charity outings. They are part of the fabric of the county. There’s a misconception that if you aren't a member, you can't even see the place. While you can't just wander onto the 1st tee, the club is pretty open for events, weddings, and certain community functions.
Also, don't assume it's just a summer spot.
They stay active in the winter. The clubhouse becomes this cozy hub for holiday parties and indoor events. The view of the snow over the fairways is actually pretty peaceful, even if you can't play a round.
Actionable Steps for Interested Parties
If you’re actually considering Paramount, don't just rely on the website. The website is fine, but it doesn't give you the "feel."
- Book a Tour: Call the membership director. Don't just email. Ask for a "trial" experience or to see the facilities during a busy Saturday so you can see the actual energy of the place.
- Check the Calendar: If you’re a golfer, ask about the tournament schedule. Some clubs are so packed with outings that members can never actually get a tee time. You want to know what the availability looks like for the "average" member.
- Evaluate the "Family" Factor: If you have kids, look at the junior golf and tennis programs. This is where Paramount really shines lately. They have a robust program for the younger set.
- The Food Test: If you're looking at it for a wedding or a membership, eat there. Seriously. Don't trust a catering menu. See what the kitchen produces on a random Tuesday night.
Paramount Country Club on Zukor Road in New City NY remains a bit of a local treasure. It’s got the Hollywood history, the Tillinghast design, and a modern vibe that keeps it from feeling like a museum. Whether you’re there for the back nine or a black-tie gala, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the history as soon as you turn onto that long driveway.
If you want the "New City" experience, this is basically the heart of it. Just watch out for those greens—they'll break your heart if you leave the ball above the hole.
Next Steps for Potential Members or Guests:
- Contact the Membership Office: Reach out via their official Zukor Road address or phone to inquire about the current waitlist status for "Young Professional" vs. "Full Golf" tiers.
- Verify Event Availability: If you're eyeing 2026 or 2027 for a wedding, know that peak fall dates usually book out 14–18 months in advance due to the high demand for foliage views.
- Explore the Area: If you’re visiting from out of town, combine your tour with a stop at nearby High Tor State Park to get a full sense of the Rockland County landscape that Adolph Zukor fell in love with a century ago.
This isn't just a club; it’s a piece of New York history that’s still very much alive.