Nestled inside a quiet residential Massapequa community, the nine-hole Peninsula Golf Club is as close to a neighborhood golf course as you'll find on Long Island. For every handful of shots that land safely on a green in regulation, one misguided attempt might settle inside someone's front lawn. And while the course remains the same quaint throwback it's been for decades, this year Peninsula is taking several strides into the 21st century.
Peninsula launched a new website earlier this spring, complete with an online booking system and updated information about the par-37 course. Long a spot for cash-carrying walk-ups only, Peninsula now allows players to reserve tee times online up to three weeks in advance. The check-in desk is equipped to take credit cards, as well. Reservations are an additional $3 for nine holes ($23 total) and $5 for 18 holes ($40 total) over the base 2018 walk-up rates.
Inside the clubhouse, The Peninsula Cafe is under new management with a unique dual setup. From morning until early afternoon, the Cafe turns out a familiar selection of breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and wraps. At 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, local chef Anthony Marengo transforms the kitchen into The Sizzlin' Griddle Supper Club, with a menu of modern, made-from-scratch American and global fare like beer-simmered sausage and peppers and cold sesame noodles. Rotating specials include wing nights and discounts for first responders. Sundays are reservation-only family dinners for six or more. As a bonus for both golfers and hungry neighbors, Marengo also offers text ordering and curbside pickup (call/text 516-325-6452).
And to keep Massapequa golfers aware of what's happening on the course and in the grill room, Peninsula has put a newfound focus on social media. The course and both versions of the restaurant have been actively promoting the facility on Facebook this winter and spring, even including a little touch of nostalgia. Photos and documents detailing Peninsula's evolution from players' club to actual golf course were posted earlier this month. Starting in the 1920s, the original Peninsula Golf Club members -- all caddies at Inwood Country Club -- held their competitions on courses around the Rockaway peninsula (hence the name). In 1946, the Peninsula members purchased their own course at the abandoned Nassau Shores Country Club in Massapequa, where it remains today.
For more on Peninsula, check out the course flyover.
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