Stunning development out of Wading River. Great Rock Golf Club, the popular semi-private course known for its lightning-fast greens, will not open this March. Great Rock and its on-site restaurant, Blackwells, are out of business. The fate of the golf course is uncertain.
[UPDATE: Great Rock Golf Club reopened in June 2014 under new ownership.]
With the 2014 playing season only a few weeks away, the public golf scene on the East End is in a state of upheaval. Long Island National has completed its transformation into a private club, and Calverton Links, which abruptly closed for the season last fall, will likely not reopen.
The Great Rock news comes as a shock given its popularity, course quality and its above-and-beyond approach to service and maintenance.
Opened in 2001, Great Rock earned a reputation for providing an elevated, club-style level of service, from the bag drop at the start of the day to its conclusion in a classy, wood-accented tap room. Several of its holes -- most notably the 10th, with the namesake rock overlooking the green -- were highlighted by Newsday and Golfing Magazine. The staff routinely responded to feedback and redesigned some of its greens in recent years to make them more player-friendly while maintaining their challenging nature. The staff was also featured in a Newsday column in 2010, which emphasized the club's focus on customer service.
UPDATE (3/19): The Riverhead News-Review has some background on the property.
NOOOOOO!!! I cant believe that this keeps happening. the courses are crowded enough already, each time another course closes down means more crowds at all the other places.
Posted by: Ryan | February 28, 2014 at 01:11 PM
I prefer Tallgrass, the links style course right down the road. They are reasonably priced and greens are in great shape!
Posted by: John | March 03, 2014 at 01:06 PM
Another hit to the public, ugh. While Tallgrass is one of my favorite courses around too, it's nice to have options. And, as I recall, Tallgrass is a little more expensive than Great Rock.
Posted by: BG_quality | March 04, 2014 at 04:25 PM
They sure stuck it to our golf club. In December they cashed our $800 deposit check for 2 outings this year & now there's nobody to contact. Nice operation.
Posted by: Jack Lynch | March 11, 2014 at 04:16 PM
I used to play with my group over there four or five times a year. I guess I'm moving over to Tallgrass, only game in town now. I haven't played there in a few years but I keep hearing its gotten a lot better. I always liked the layout better anyway.
Posted by: Mike | March 12, 2014 at 09:13 AM
I thought the game of golf is a game of being honest to do the right thing, call a rules violation on yourself. I guess it does not apply to the golf course operation. They took our money and ran like a thief in the night. I guess this is the type of example that others should follow. how about treat others as you want to be treated. SHAME ON YOU GREAT ROCK. If you had any self respect return our deposit.
Posted by: Ron | March 13, 2014 at 03:34 PM
I purchased a gift card and now am out the money and golf . you should be shot like the thieves u are
Posted by: rolkoe@yahoo,com. | March 14, 2014 at 03:26 PM
Took my money for a gift card days before closing and ran. lying b----s
Posted by: rolkoe@yahoo,com. | March 14, 2014 at 03:29 PM
I have two gift cards of $200.00,what a rip off,Total Robbery!!!!!
Posted by: anna Grazina | April 09, 2014 at 01:02 PM
The course is reopening on June 2 under new ownership and will honor Great Rock gift cards/certificates through this season.
Posted by: Phil | May 29, 2014 at 02:38 PM