Rounds at Bergen Point Golf Course will have a different feel starting this season, especially as each nine comes to a close.
The Suffolk County municipal course in West Babylon made significant changes to two of its holes during the offseason, trimming its par-4 ninth hole to a mid-range par-3 and stretching its closing hole to play as a reachable par-5. The modified ninth is using a temporary tee (pictured) while a new box grows in.
The changes at Bergen Point likely stem from safety concerns. For years the ninth hole, a short and straight par-4 that tops out at just 356 yards, has been at the center of disputes between the golf course and its neighbors. The tall netting that runs along the course boundary is no match for high hooks and slices from players trying to overpower the hole. CBS ran a news feature several years ago about complaints from neighbors that golf balls were damaging their homes.
When complete, the new ninth will play in the range of 150 to 170 yards. Currently the temporary tee is set up around 20 yards shorter.
Meanwhile #18 at Bergen Point no longer ranks among one of Long Island's most grueling public par-4s and demanding closing holes. To balance the change at #9, the 18th added a slightly longer back tee, which transforms the hole from a daunting 461-yard par-4 (440 from the middle) to the course's shortest par-5. Instead of hanging on for dear life at the end of the round, players now have a scoring opportunity on #18 and can try to reach the green for eagle if the wind allows. The deep bunker in front and dramatic falloff over the back set the stage for closing-hole drama.
For more on Bergen Point and its interesting backstory along Great South Bay, check out the course flyover.
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