Golf on Long Island

Former Calverton Links site now covered by solar panels

It took a few years, but the long-discussed transformation is complete.  The former Calverton Links golf course is now part of the solar industry.

For nearly a decade since the course abruptly closed for good in 2013, past players could still see the old front nine resting in plain view alongside Edwards Avenue in Calverton.  Its future loomed right across the street, where solar panels eventually took over a former sod farm.  Today the course itself is buried under a new solar farm installed earlier this year.

That makes two former East End courses that are now home to hundreds of thousands of solar panels.  The transformation of Gil Hanse's popular Tallgrass Golf Course was extensively covered on this site during the years-long lead-up to its closure in 2017.

Amid the debate over Tallgrass's then-proposed future in solar, one opponent of the plan said she did not want her hometown of Shoreham to become "the solar capital of the world."  Calverton residents voiced similar concerns in the recent past, though the building continued.  Now visitors taking the Edwards Avenue route to get to North Fork farms and vineyards first pass through fields of Calverton solar panels before reaching the area's open space and scenery.

What's become of Long Island's other closed golf courses?  You can find out in this updated post from last spring.

[PICTURED: The par-3 11th at Calverton Links, just a few months before its closure.]

2022 Thanksgiving and holiday-themed events at Long Island golf courses

Get the hot chocolate and hand warmers ready -- it's time to start preparing for Thanksgiving golf outings.

Local players know Thanksgiving is essentially "last call" for Long Island golf season -- the leaves are down, frost delays are longer, the layers of golf gear thicker.  Thanksgiving is one final opportunity for golf with all the trimmings, including a hot meal, prizes, occasional open bars and more.   

Golf On Long Island will update the 2022 Thanksgiving slate of scrambles and shotgun starts as information is made available.  All outings are designed to get you home to the family with enough time to carve the turkey.  Listed below are many of this year's special holiday events (all are on Thanksgiving, November 24, unless otherwise noted).  These outings tend to sell out very quickly, so it's best to book early.

Brentwood Country Club is typically the earliest riser on Thanksgiving morning.  Shotgun tee time is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.  Rate is $54 for 18 holes and cart.  Call (631) 436-6060 to reserve a spot.

Cherry Creek is offering 18 holes on the Links Course with cart, range balls, hot breakfast, raffles and contests for $70 per player.  Shotgun tee time is 8:30 a.m.  Call (631) 369-6500 to register.

Harbor Links will host its 16th annual holiday Turkey Shoot.  Registration and breakfast begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by a 9:00 shotgun tee time.  Golf, cart and breakfast are $65 for Town of North Hempstead residents; $75 for non-residents.  Call (516) 767-4816 to sign up.

Island's End's holiday begins with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start.  Entry fee covers golf and cart.  Call the course at (631) 477-0777 to register.

Mill Pond (pictured) will host its 15th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Shootout, teeing off at 8:00 a.m.  Format is four-person team scramble, and the $79 entry fee includes cart, range balls, hot breakfast and a drink.  The event almost always sells out fast; book in person or by calling (631) 732-8249.

Pine Hills Golf & Country Club continues to hold its holiday outing on Black Friday (November 25).  This year's event includes cart, range, light breakfast and prizes for $85.  Part of the entry fee will be donated to Toys For Tots.  Shotgun start is 9:30 a.m.  Call (631) 878-7103 to sign up.

Spring Lake Golf Club will host its annual Turkey Shotgun, which includes breakfast and 18 holes.  Tee time is 8:00 a.m.  Cost is $75 per player.  Call (631) 924-5115 for a spot.

Swan Lake's holiday outing begins with 7:00 a.m. breakfast and an 8:30 shotgun start.  Beverages and BBQ will be available until 1:00.  Entry fee is $60 and covers golf and cart only (food and drinks not included in fee).  Call (631) 369-1818 to sign up.

Willow Creek's shotgun start is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.  The $69 entry fee includes golf and cart.  Call (631) 474-9200 to register.

Wind Watch is hosting a holiday shotgun scheduled to tee off at 8:30/9:00 a.m. (time to be determined based on forecast).  Golf and cart are $69 per player.  Call (631) 232-9850 to register.

Check back through November for updated information.