The winter golf season has officially arrived. Fittingly, in a year characterized by bizarre weather and a week that began with cars frozen under blocks of ice, the opening weekend of Long Island winter golf will see temperatures pushing 70 degrees.
This is welcome news for Long Island's all-season golfers, who typically keep their putters and sleeves of balls within easy reach next to the snow shovels and bags of salt. Last year, the winter golf season was compromised from the get-go by Hurricane Sandy recovery, and it didn't take long for blizzards to put the offseason on (or under) ice. While the fairways might not be as vibrant as normal thanks to this December's snow, ice and freezing cold, it's still a fun time to play.
Most of Long Island's public golf courses remain open year-round. They welcome all players patient enough to wait out morning frost delays, resilient enough to keep a steady swing through biting winds, and determined enough to finish all 18 holes despite shoes that proved not to be waterproof after all. Though the winter is only a few hours old, "winter" rates have been in effect for weeks. New players or those looking to clean up their mechanics can count on quiet, pressure-free fairways and tees between now and March.
- See also: Winter Golf on Long Island overview
Golf On Long Island attempts to make winter golf easy to find by posting discount rates through the offseason. Great Rock Golf Club in Wading River is offering its annual winter weekday (and late-day weekend) special of 18 holes for as low as $29. Other courses allow you to play for around two bucks a hole, as well. Check back for updated specials throughout the winter months.
For a full primer on offseason golf, check out the Winter Golf on Long Island page, which includes some of this season's special rates and offers from previous years.
