The Patterson Club

THE PATTERSON CLUB

The goal of this clubhouse project was to consolidate three existing buildings into a single, efficient structure while preserving the farmhouse vernacular that defined the original campus. The original golf clubhouse, constructed in 1946, had fallen into poor condition by 2008, prompting the membership of approximately 600 to pursue a comprehensive replacement and repositioning of the facility.

The new clubhouse was strategically relocated up the hill, closer to the 9th and 18th greens, to strengthen its relationship with the golf course. The original facility—comprising separate buildings for dining, pro shop, locker rooms, and cart storage—was replaced with a unified design that enhances both operational efficiency and the overall member experience.

The site itself, characterized by significant topographical variation, presented both challenges and opportunities. While the sloping terrain required careful planning, it ultimately enabled the clubhouse to achieve superior views of the course. Designed in collaboration with the golf course’s original architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his son Rees Jones, adjustments were made to the master plan, including modifications to the 1st, 9th, 10th, and 18th holes to create a more seamless integration between building and course.

A key programmatic priority was the inclusion of a banquet facility capable of accommodating more than 200 guests, establishing one of the largest event spaces in the region. The floor plan was carefully organized to support simultaneous functions, with a dedicated private entrance ensuring separation between member use and outside events. Circulation and adjacencies were carefully considered, including the placement of the pro shop adjacent to the 1st tee to facilitate direct engagement between professionals and golfers.

The main entry sequence addresses the site’s vertical change through a grand arrival experience, featuring a double staircase and elevator access from the lower parking level to the main floor. This arrival reinforces the clubhouse’s role as both a functional hub and a welcoming social center.

The interior design continues the architectural language of the building—refined yet comfortable, traditional yet elevated. By combining operational clarity with timeless detailing, the clubhouse evokes the character of early golf clubs, where the building itself defined the spirit of the game.

Photography: Steven Mack, Warren Jagger
Featured In: Connecticut Golf, Connecticut Post, Fairfield Citizen, AIA CT News, The Met Golfer, Golf Inc.
Recognition: Golf Inc. Clubhouse of the Year Runner Up