Golf on Long Island

Long-shuttered Great Rock Golf Club could reopen by Memorial Day

Great Rock Golf Club, the Wading River course that closed in 2019 and was sold to new owners last year, could reopen for play this spring, possibly by Memorial Day, according to staff.

The course, now dormant for nearly two and a half years, has undergone renovation and modification projects since its sale last May.  In addition to general upkeep of the fairways and greens, maintenance crews have improved the irrigation and drainage systems, upgraded facilities to accommodate a new fleet of electric carts, and renovated bunkers and other areas of play.  Trees have been removed from parts of the course, as well.  The layout of the course is unchanged.

Still to come is a rebuild of the driving range.  Visitors to the site today will find a driving range with torn-up grounds and tattered netting.  The first and 18th holes appear to be in playable condition. 

"When everything is finished, the course will be much better than what was here before," the staffer said.

Local owners Chris Vene and Anthony Lomangino purchased the course in May 2021, according to the Riverhead News-Review.  Vene has an ownership stake in the nearby Baiting Hollow Golf Club in Baiting Hollow and The Vineyards Golf Club in Riverhead, as well as a golf course maintenance company.  He told the News-Review that one of his goals is to provide Great Rock's players with a "member for the day" experience.

“So you go to Great Rock and you’re a member for the day,” he said.  “You have a great facility, and you have access to the locker room, the sauna, the showers, the driving range.  You can hit as many balls as you want and then, hopefully, get a great meal at the restaurant.”

The restaurant issue remains unsettled.  Pure North Fork closed prior to the course's shutdown in 2019, four years after a major investment that transformed the dining space previously occupied by Blackwells into a modern, locally focused bistro.

Great Rock's return will be a much-needed win for local players in a part of Long Island that has lost several courses in recent years, most notably Tallgrass in 2017.  Great Rock opened in 2001 on hilly terrain north of Sound Avenue in Wading River and came to be known for extremely fast greens and an upscale yet laid-back atmosphere.  Its namesake rock, dug up during the course's construction, sits next to #10 green.  The course briefly closed in the 2013-14 offseason and reopened a few months later under new owners.

In 2019, word started to circulate that the conditions at Great Rock were deteriorating.  Dozens of local players posted reviews and photos on platforms like Golf Advisor detailing a neglected golf course with crabgrass-covered fairways and bunkers, bare greens and unmowed rough.  In October, Great Rock suddenly closed for the year with little notice.  Aside from a vague Facebook post last spring about a potential reopening, the course has remained silent.

[Pictured: Great Rock clubhouse in March 2022.]

2022 Summer Golf Camps on Long Island

[Looking for this year's camp info?  See the Guide to 2024 Summer Golf Camps on Long Island.]

The rise in golf demand during the 2020 and 2021 pandemic seasons has not only led to a rush on tee times across Long Island, but also heightened interest in space for juniors at local summer camps.  Experienced juniors and the many new teen and tween players are seeking guidance from local coaches and pros in order to make a smooth entrance and progression into the sport.

Not surprisingly, some summer golf programs have already sold out before the dawn of spring.  Limited slots at other junior camps are filling up fast.

Luckily there is a wealth of local options for parents who are eager to have their young players start building the foundation for lifelong interest in golf.  Many public courses in Nassau and Suffolk feature summer camp programs that school young players in golf's key fundamentals, the various types of swings and strokes, as well as rules, etiquette and course safety.  Kids work closely with teaching pros on the course, at the range and around practice greens and bunkers; in some cases, the pros working with your young golfer have been recognized nationally for their work as junior instructors.  Campers leave each session with skills and knowledge in place for years of enjoyment on the course.

The following is a general overview of 2022 summer golf camps offered at various public golf courses around Long Island.  For more information, follow the links below to the course websites and junior camp pages. 

(Please note this list only includes camp programs hosted at public golf courses.  This does not include golf programs held at general summer camps or any type of private instruction.)

Bergen Point (West Babylon):  Four weekly sessions run from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, and are open to kids age 7 to 17.  Instruction includes short-game practice, driving range, on-course play and daily contests and competition.  Cost is $300 per session.  Sign-up forms are available on the Bergen Point website.

Bethpage State Park (Farmingdale):  Bethpage's Summer Junior Golf Program is open to players of all skill levels from age 6 to 17.  Half-day programs are geared toward younger players, while full-day camps are designed for intermediate and advanced players with on-course experience.  A monthly program with tournament play is also available for competitive juniors.  All programs feature a combination of skills development and performance-related training and fitness.  Sessions begin the week of July 11.  Register for full-day ($775) and half-day ($500) sessions at the Bethpage / Golf Channel Academy website.

Cedars Golf Club (Cutchogue):  The Cutchogue course offers two separate month-long sessions with start dates of June 29 and August 1.  Campers meet Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks, with separate times for age 6-to-10 groups and age 11-to-15 groups.  All participants receive a Cedars camp shirt and a full-season Junior Pass.  Cost is $650/675 per session.  Register in person or e-mail [email protected], and check the Cedars website or for full details.

Cherry Creek (Riverhead):  Cherry Creek camp programs will be available in July and August.  Specific 2022 program details to follow.  Call (631) 506-0777 for the latest information.

Eisenhower Park (East Meadow): PGA Junior Golf operates a series of camps for all ability levels, including advanced camps for competitive juniors.  The program includes full-day camps for players age 11 to 17, modified full-day camps for experienced players age 8 to 12, and half-day camps for beginners and intermediates age 7 to 11.  There is also a special 90-minute session for "Wee Ones" age 6 to 8.  All regular camps include hours of hands-on instruction led by certified PGA professionals.  Full-day camps include on-course play and teaching.  Weekly sessions for all programs begin June 27, and discounts are available for Nassau County residents and First Tee participants.  Visit the PGA Junior Golf Camp site for full information on pricing, session dates and available discounts.

Glen Cove Golf Club (Glen Cove):  From the week of June 27 to Labor Day weekend, Glen Cove is offering ten weekly sessions for juniors age 8 to 16.  Camps run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and cover all parts of the swing, plus rules and etiquette.  Cost is $400 per camper, with daily lunch included.  Sign up at the Glen Cove Golf Camps website.

Harbor Links Golf Course (Port Washington):  Harbor Links offers a wide variety of programs led by teachers all named U.S. Kids Golf Certified Instructors.  Camps begin the week of June 27, with sessions available through August.  Weekly programs for kids age 6 to 9 run Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and include games and drills that help develop important skills and fundamentals, in addition to a skills competition and gift packet.  Separate programs for teens age 10 to 16 are split into four-hour AM and PM sessions and run Monday to Friday.  These cover the full swing, short game, course management, rules and etiquette, and conclude with a two-day "Junior Scramble" team tournament.  A "Birdie Program" is also available for advanced juniors looking to improve for competition.  Rates vary based on age group and time of sign-up.  For all program information, schedules and registration forms, visit the Harbor Links website.

Indian Island Country Club (Riverhead):  Indian Island's annual golf camp consists of week-long sessions that include lessons, lunch, prizes, golf gear, skills contests and on-course competition.  Camps are open to boys and girls of all skill levels between the ages of 7 and 16.  Specific program information to follow.  See the Indian Island website or call (631) 727-7776 for details.

Long Island Golf Camps / Mike Reilly Golf Academy (Massapequa, Deer Park, Hauppauge):  Long Island Golf Camps runs programs at three public courses -- Peninsula Golf Club (Massapequa), Heartland Golf Park (Deer Park) and Wind Watch Golf & Country Club (Hauppauge).  The Peninsula and Wind Watch camps are week-long, full-day programs (9:00/9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with sessions beginning in late June.  They include instruction on different aspects of the swing, on-course play and daily lunch.  The Deer Park camp sessions run Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Instruction takes place on the course, at the driving range and in the short-game area.  Enrollment is $695 for Peninsula and Wind Watch, and $369 for Babylon, with discounts available before May 1.  For schedules and registration, visit the Long Island Golf Camps website.

Middle Bay (Oceanside):  Six full-week sessions begin on July 11.  Campers meet Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m and receive instruction on the range and the course, with snack and lunch included.  Discounts available for siblings and multiple sessions.  Call (516) 766-1880 for pricing, program details and additional information.

Mill Pond (Medford):  Camps are available in 4-day and 2-day sessions beginning July 5.  The longer programs are designed for teen golfers age 12 to 16 and focus on all aspects of swing technique and fundamentals, plus course management, rules and etiquette.  Each session concludes with a Friday team competition held at the Rolling Oaks Golf Course in Miller Place.  Shorter programs meet Tuesday and Wednesday and are geared toward beginners age 6 to 11 with a focus on swing fundamentals.  Discounts for Town of Brookhaven residents are available.  Visit the Mill Pond website or call (631) 732-8249 for info on registration, pricing, schedules and program format.

Poxabogue Golf Center (Sagaponack):  A total of ten sessions run from the week of June 20 to the week of August 22.  Sessions are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and are open to boys and girls from age 7 to 16.  Campers will learn basics of the full swing, short game, course management, rules and etiquette, and will receive golf gear, snacks and giveaways.  Cost is $629 per session.  Visit the Poxabogue website for info and registration.

Smithtown Landing (Smithtown):  The town-owned municipal course runs a popular summer camp each year (canceled in 2021 due to Covid) under the instruction of Hall of Fame teacher Michael Hebron.  Visit the camp website or call (631) 979-6534 for 2022 information.

Stonebridge Golf Links (Hauppauge):  Starting in mid July, full- and half-day programs are available for beginners through intermediate players.  Half-day sessions (9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday to Thursday) are geared to beginners age 6 to 10 and focus on fundamentals, rules, etiquette and course/club basics.  Full-day camps (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday) help experienced players age 10 and up improve on skills and knowledge through on-course play and instruction.  Cost is $229 for half day and $499 for full day.  All campers receive a Puma string bag.  Discounts available for siblings and multiple sessions.  Call (631) 724-7500 or visit the Stonebridge website for session schedules and registration info.

Sunken Meadow (Kings Park):  PGA Junior Golf operates half-day camps for players of all skill levels from age 7 to 13, and modified full-day camps for juniors age 9 to 16.  In each camp, players are divided into groups based on experience and receive hands-on instruction led by certified PGA professionals.  Weekly sessions meet Tuesday through Friday beginning July 5.  Cost is $350 per half-day session and $450 for full-day.  Visit the PGA Junior Camps site for complete information.

Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course (Woodbury):  Oyster Bay's Lucas Golf Center typically offers full- and half-day camps for boys and girls age 6 and up.  Teaching pros cover chipping, putting, rules and etiquette, and instruction takes place on and off the course.  Specific 2022 program information to follow.  Call (516) 364-3600 or visit TOB's Lucas Golf Center website for information and registration.

West Sayville Golf Course (West Sayville):  Four sessions meet Monday to Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will run the weeks of July 11, July 18, July 25 and August 1.  Sessions are open to new and experienced juniors age 8 to 14.  Under lead instructor Sean McLaughlin, head golf coach at Sayville High School, campers learn all aspects of the swing, plus rules and etiquette, and practice on the golf course daily.  Visit the West Sayville junior camp page for info and registration.

Bethpage Green set to open for 2022; Red and Black on deck

Bethpage State Park's three seasonal golf courses -- the Green, Red and vaunted Black -- are preparing to join the Yellow and Blue courses and reopen for 2022.

The Green Course will open tomorrow, March 19.  Opening day on Bethpage Red is April 1, followed two weeks later by the Black Course on April 15.

Once the Black reopens in mid-April, golf season on Long Island is typically back in full swing.  For open dates at Long Island's other seasonal golf courses, be sure to check out GOLI's constantly updated course reopenings page.

Timber Point set to host holiday scramble on St. Patrick's Day

[NOTE:  The holiday scramble has been canceled due to weather.]

Timber Point Golf Course is bringing back its St. Patrick's Day scramble this year, an event that typically signals the start of a new season along Great South Bay.

After a few years off, the holiday scramble will be back on Thursday, March 17 with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start on the Red Course.  It is a nine-hole event with Timber Point's usual array of holiday trimmings -- an Irish-themed putting contest, a prize for the most holiday-inspired outfit, and post-round food and drinks at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale.  Entry fee is $59 per player and covers golf and cart.

More customary contests include longest drive and closest to the pin, and prizes will be awarded to low team and runner-up.  Winners of the contests will receive gift cards valid in the Timber Point pro shop.

At the conclusion of the scramble, the outing continues across the river in Oakdale with Irish fare and music at the Snapper Inn (food and drinks not included in the entry fee).  All players who bring their scorecard from the event will receive a discount on food and drinks.

Sign up online at the Timber Point website.

Long Island Golf Junkies social outing scheduled for April 18

The Long Island Golf Junkies players group is holding an April Social golf outing on Monday, April 18 at the private Port Jefferson Country Club.  Registration is open to all local players.

Entry fee is $120 for golf, cart and range balls, with tickets available for singles and groups at the LIGJ website.  It is an individual stroke play event with contests for closest to the pin and long drive.  Shotgun start is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.  Visit the LIGJ website for full registration details.

LIGJ is one of Long Island's largest and most active players groups, and hosts several formal outings, casual rounds and social meet-ups each season at both public courses and private clubs.  Interested local golfers can become members via the Long Island Golf Junkies Facebook group.

St. Patrick's Day Scramble on tap at Mill Pond

St, Patrick's Day is not only the holiday of corned beef, green beer and bar crawls but also the unofficial soft opening of the new Long Island golf season.  A small handful of courses ring in the new year with holiday-themed outings when conditions allow, Mill Pond being one of them.  Registration is currently open for a holiday scramble on Thursday, March 17.

Shotgun tee time is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Medford course.  The event will be a four-person scramble with prizes for the top three teams and winners of long-drive and closest-to-pin challenges.  Entry fee is $84 and includes a post-round hot Irish buffet, draft beer, wine and soda. 

Mill Pond events tend to fill up very quickly.  Register by calling (631) 732-8249.  Pre-payment is required, and there is no rain date -- in the event of weather cancellation, all players will receive a full refund.

For details about Mill Pond, check out the course flyover.