[NOTE: After a routing change during the 2012 season, Wind Watch #1 below is now #10. For info about the course change, follow this link.]
Not satisfied with holding the (unofficial) title of highest elevated teebox on Long Island, the folks at Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club decided to rise to even loftier heights last month when their downhill par-4 opener was extended to an even farther downhill, sub-500-yard par-5.
Newsday's Mark Herrmann covered the real reasons for the extension -- most notably, the frequency of opening tee shots hooking and slicing into the driving range and private residences -- earlier in June. Golf On Long Islanders were in Hauppauge this weekend to test out the "new" hole for themselves.
Perched about 50 yards behind and a handful higher than the old box, the new tee (pictured left) provides an even more dramatic view of northern Suffolk County in the horizon. A tennis court was removed to make way for the modifications. The hole now plays a shade under 500 yards from the back tees, and its added stroke to par gives players a better chance of starting on the right foot, despite its still-tight layout and additional length.
The first trap in a series of new and redesigned bunkers turned out to be a popular gathering spot for players who kept their opening drives to the right side. From the fairway or rough, players can lay up short of the green and still have a strong par opportunity. A conservative play to the far left side of the fairway will even keep the door open for birdie. A large bunker guards the right side of the opener's diagonal green.
Also of note at Wind Watch:
- The rampant divot issue mentioned in last summer's Wind Watch flyover was much improved this time around. Maybe I just caught the course on bad days in the past. Overall, the fairways were smooth and well maintained; in some spots, immaculate.
- Carts are no longer equipped with GPS navigation. A Wind Watch staffer said the company that provided the satellite guidance is out of business.
For more on Hamlet Wind Watch, its 80 sand traps and dozen water hazards, check out the course flyover.
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