Golf on Long Island

Bethpage Black to close for the season on November 11

The 2018 season is coming to a close on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park.  The last day to play the Black is Sunday, November 11.

While the Black's season will end in its usual mid-November slot, its reopening next spring is not quite as predictable.  Old Man Winter will decide how much golf Long Islanders get to play on the Black in early 2019 as the park prepares for May's PGA Championship.

The best-case scenario, according to Andrew Wilson, Bethpage's director of agronomy, is a two-week opening in the second half of April with limited rounds and conservative treatment of the course amid cold, wet conditions.  Currently park crews are concentrating on fixing ball marks and sodding worn areas so the course slips into winter in optimal shape.

Bethpage Red typically closes for the season around the end of November.  Blue and Yellow remain open through the offseason.

Trick-or-Treat prize giveaway this week on the range at Sunken Meadow

Sunken Meadow State Park is embracing the spirit of Halloween this season, and golfers who visit the courses this week could bag some sweet golf goodies in lieu of a customary two-pack of Sweet Tarts.

Drop by the Sunken Meadow driving range between now and Halloween evening for the park's Trick-or-Treat event -- if your bucket includes a numbered orange ball, you win a prize.  Treats include goodie bags, range tokens, cart rentals, apparel and a free putter.

For more on Sunken Meadow's Halloween giveaway, visit the course Facebook page.

Nine & Dine tomorrow at Island's End

Island's End Golf & Country Club in Greenport is hosting a late-afternoon Nine & Dine tomorrow, October 19. 

Tee time for the event is 4 p.m.  Nine holes beside the Long Island Sound will be followed by a prime rib dinner.  Registration for Island's End members is $35; non-members pay $60.

Island's End aerated its greens earlier this week.  To register for the event, call (631) 477-0777.

Fall "Double Play" discount available at Cherry Creek

Fans of Cherry Creek's "Double Play" special will be pleased to learn that the Riverhead facility is offering a discounted late-season version of its popular deal this fall.

"Double Play" cards are currently available for purchase at both the Woods and Links clubhouses and entitle golfers to one 18-hole round at each of the two courses, with cart included.  The fall special is $66, valid weekdays through November 21.  (Rounds can be played on separate days.)

For more information, call the Woods at (631) 506-0777 or the Links at (631) 369-6500.  And for details on the two Riverhead courses, check out the Woods and Links flyovers.

Spring Lake Golf Club making improvements to driving range

The driving range at Spring Lake Golf Club is undergoing a late-season renovation.

The Middle Island facility has been posting updates on the progress of its improvement project, which focuses on the leveling and reconstruction of the driving range's teeing area.  So far, the pavement underneath the range mats has been removed and will be replaced by a new base. 

A strip of artificial turf will eventually be installed in place of the existing mats, according to Spring Lake director of golf Cristy Jurgens.  The turf will be used when the grass teeing area is unavailable.

For progress updates and photos, visit the Spring Lake Facebook page.

Irrigation installation, new carts, October special at Brentwood CC

Improvements are underway late in the playing season at Brentwood Country Club. 

The Town of Islip muni will begin to install a new irrigation system this month, though the course will remain open amid the work.  Beginning in mid-October, nine holes will be available for nine- and 18-hole rounds on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  On Fridays, all 18 holes will be open with some temporary tees.  Weekend play will be unaffected.

Also at Brentwood -- and the other Islip munis at Holbrook Country Club and Gull Haven Golf Course -- new golf carts are in the rotation.  Islip approved a lease for the updated gas-powered carts in August and first rolled them out this summer at Holbrook, according to Newsday.

Brentwood and Holbrook's usual discount is in effect this month, allowing golfers to save on late-morning and afternoon rounds.  After 10 a.m., rounds are $24 to walk and $42 to ride, with reservation and green fees included.  Twilight rounds are $20 to walk and $38 to ride after 2 p.m.

For the latest course information, contact Brentwood CC at (631) 436-6060.