Steve:
I have played Rye several times over the years. How can one not forget the unique castle that serves as a backdrop when playing the 18th.
The course is on very rolling terrain -- not unlike a few other Westchester courses -- and there are holes that will take you very close to the edge of the Long Island Sound. Rees Jones redesigned the course in 1982, followed by Stephen Kay, who remodeled seven holes in 1989.
It's too bad the course can't get ride of more trees because quite a few of the holes are suffocating from them.
For those not connected to the course I believe you can still gain some limited access if you belong to another private club. Play during the busy seasons in the summer months can be painfully slow.
The course isn't that long -- maybe 6,300 yards tops. There's also a few blind tee shots you need to handle but nothing that is unfair for sure.