Golf on Long Island

2023 Summer Golf Camps on Long Island

Golf participation remains at a high level following the Covid spike, meaning spots at local junior golf camps are still in elevated demand.  Junior golfers of all ages and skill levels have a wealth of options at Long Island's public golf courses for learning the fundamentals of the game, from swing to etiquette, and making a smooth entrance into the sport.

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 lifelong enjoyment on the course and as overall fans of golf.

The following is a general overview of 2023 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):  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 $320 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 June 26.  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 28 and July 31.  Campers age 5 to 13 meet Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks.  All participants receive a Cedars camp shirt, a full-season Junior Pass and daily pizza lunch.  Cost is $700 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 2023 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 26, 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 last week of June through the end of August, Glen Cove is offering ten weekly sessions designed for juniors age 8 to 16.  Camps run Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and cover all parts of the swing, plus rules and etiquette.  Cost is $425 per camper.  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 26, 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, golf gear and on-course competition.  Camps are open to boys and girls of all skill levels between the ages of 7 and 16.  Week-long sessions run from late June through the end of August.  Each session ends with a five-hole scramble competition on Friday afternoon.  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 (9:30 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, $745 for Wind Watch and $369 for Heartland, 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 10.  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.  Registration is $519 per week with 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 3.  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.

Pine Hills (Manorville):  Pine Hills is offering two separate camp sessions that meet on Tuesday evenings in June and July.  Each session meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays and covers the swing, etiquette, short-game skills and more.  The camp is open to juniors age 6 to 16 and includes pizza and snacks on the final day.  Sessions are $345 each or $595 for both.  Email [email protected] for details or registration.

Poxabogue Golf Center (Sagaponack):  A total of ten sessions run from the week of June 19 to the week of August 21.  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 $659 per session.  Visit the Poxabogue website for info and registration.

Smithtown Landing (Smithtown):  Smithwon Landing's 2023 camps will meet once a week for six consecutive weeks beginning at the end of June.  Campers meet for one hour at select times on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.  Registration is $275 per session.  Visit the camp website or call (631) 979-6534 for 2022 information.

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 10 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 June 26.  Cost is $375 per half-day session and $550 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 offers full-day camp for juniors age 10 to 16 and half-day camps for boys and girls age 6 to 10.  Teaching pros cover the full swing, chipping, putting, rules and etiquette, and instruction takes place on and off the course.  Sessions run Tuesday to Friday beginning June 27.  Call (516) 364-3600 or visit TOB's Lucas Golf Center website for information and registration.

West Sayville Golf Course (West Sayville):  West Sayville offers five sessions that meet Monday to Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. during the weeks of June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24 and July 31.  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.

Spring aeration dates at Bethpage

The golf courses at Bethpage State Park are fully open for the 2023 season, but there are some upcoming spring aeration dates to be aware of before making plans for tee times.

Bethpage Yellow will be the first to close for maintenance next week on April 24 and 25.  The Black Course was already aerated prior to opening.

Here is the full aeration schedule for the park's non-Black courses:

• Yellow Course:  April 24-25
• Red Course:  April 26-27
• Blue Course:  May 1-2
• Green Course:  May 3-4

Be sure to call the Bethpage golf office at (516) 249-0700 for the latest info on course availability.

Bethpage prepping for 2023 season with Ryder Cup changes already taking shape

It won't take long for Bethpage golfers to catch a glimpse of something new when they return to the course for the first time in 2023.  One of the main offseason renovations at the park -- carried out with the 2025 Ryder Cup in mind -- took place right behind the clubhouse near the start of the Black Course.

It's a subtle change, but one that is designed to bolster the already raucous atmosphere at the Ryder Cup's start and finish.  A simple reshaping of the mounding between the first tee and 18th green has opened up the sight lines to allow the Black's future spectators to see every shot.

"The first tee at the Ryder Cup is one of the best experiences a golf fan can enjoy, and the crowd at Bethpage should be epic," says Andrew Wilson, Bethpage's longtime superintendent and director of agronomy.  "The work done means fans will be able to see the first tee and 18th green from every seat in the grandstand."

Whether or not that epic scene will include rolled-back golf balls and players on the LIV Tour...well, uhh, let's not get into that.

Local players will begin to see the offseason course work for themselves when Bethpage Green opens for 2023 play tomorrow, March 18, followed by the Red Course on April 1.  But for the most startling change of all, visitors will have to wait until the Black Course officially reopens on April 15.  That's when players will work their way toward the farthest reaches of the Black and find that one of its landmark hazards -- the overhanging oak tree right of #8 green -- is now a thing of the past.

Wilson says the tree was dying and unable to be salvaged, despite his crew's best efforts to save it.  "It had become a safety issue for players and employees," Wilson says.  "It was sad to see it go."

Its departure means the right side of the green can offer pin placements that simply weren't possible while the tree loomed overhead, another positive when looking ahead to Ryder Cup week.

Elsewhere on the Black Course, maintenance crews renovated about a dozen bunkers with new sod edging.  "That's no small undertaking considering the size of the Black's bunkers," Wilson says.

Crews completed similar sodding projects around sand traps and in areas with soil compaction on the Red and Green courses. 

Meanwhile the Blue and Yellow courses saw plenty of action over the winter, not from work crews, but from players.  The two courses have already hosted close to 10,000 rounds, Wilson says, thanks to mild temperatures and zero snowfall.  The staff has been able to do some minor renovation work amid all that play, though multiyear projects like the continued renovation of bunkers on Yellow #14 have been kept on hiatus until next offseason.

When players prepare to tee off on the Black Course next month, they'll also notice one other significant addition -- a new forward tee on Black's opener.  Wilson says the idea to add a forward tee came as a byproduct of the reshaping work done nearby.

"There's a good chance this new tee will be used during the Ryder Cup as well," Wilson says.

[PICTURED: TOP -- Newly reshaped grounds between #1 tee and #18 green on the Black Course.  BOTTOM -- The oak tree on Black #8, as seen during the 2019 PGA Championship.]

2023 golf course reopen dates on Long Island

After a mild Long Island offseason where roughly zero snowflakes found their way from the sky to the ground, Old Man Winter teamed up with the golf gods to make sure March -- the month of golf's local reopening -- began with a coating of slush.  Go figure.

Unless you were banking on checking out the rebranded Sandy Pond Links on its opening day (postponed), this year's one light dusting of snow won't impact the reopening season that is set to kick off in a little over a week.  From the lead-up to St. Patrick's Day through mid-April, all of Long Island's seasonal golf courses will get back up to speed and welcome local players back to the first tee.

The following is a list of tentative 2023 opening dates for Long Island's seasonal golf courses.  (Year-round courses remain open as the weather allows and are not included in this list.)  Courses will be added or updated as information becomes available.  Be sure to check back through March for the latest info.

*All dates listed below are subject to change.  Call the courses directly for updated dates and times.

2023 GOLF COURSE REOPENINGS:

• Sandy Pond Links -- March 1
• Indian Island -- March 10
• Timber Point -- March 15
• Holbrook CC -- March 15
• Brentwood CC -- March 15
• Woods Course at Cherry Creek -- March 16
• Bergen Point -- March 17
• West Sayville -- March 17
• Harbor Links - Championship/Executive -- March 18
• Bethpage Green -- March 18
• The Golf Club at Middle Bay -- March 31 (tentative)
  
• Town of Oyster Bay GC -- OPEN
• Bethpage Red -- April 1
• Eisenhower Red -- April 11
• Bethpage Black -- April 15

[This post was updated on April 3, 2023.]

Newsday: Developers pushing to bring the pros back to Eisenhower Red

The new operators of Eisenhower Park's restaurant and catering facility are focused on bringing professional golf back to the Red Course and are spending millions of dollars on upgrades to make that a reality, according to Newsday's James Madore.

The group, EGB Hospitality LLC, plans to reopen the facility on May 1 following $5.5 million in improvements "necessary to bring national golf events" back to the park, per Newsday.  Formerly The Carltun, the new venue will be called The Grand Lannin in tribute to Joseph Lannin, the man behind what was originally the massive five-course Salisbury Golf Club.  In an additional nod to history, EGB plans to name its golf-course concessions after famed architect Devereux Emmet, designer of the Salisbury courses, including the current Red Course.

EGB has applied for sales-tax exemptions with the Nassau County IDA and made a presentation to the agency earlier this month.

"We're changing the former Carltun into a tourist destination that's going to pull people from all five boroughs [of New York City] and from New Jersey," [EGB's Elias] Trahanas said in an interview. "By revamping this iconic facility in this iconic park, we're going to attract more than just golf tournaments. We're going to attract many events, from corporate [functions] to charity [galas]," he said. -- James Madore, Newsday, 1/27/23

Eisenhower Park's most historic tournament was played in 1926 when the Red Course -- then known as Salisbury #4 -- hosted the PGA Championship, won by Walter Hagen.  A sign commemorating the event hangs over the entrance to the park's golf building.

Decades later, after the Northville Long Island Classic (later the Lightpath Classic) left the Meadow Brook Club in Jericho, it relocated to Eisenhower Red and became known as the Commerce Bank Championship, part of the Champions Tour.  The last tournament was played there in 2008.

[PICTURED RIGHT: A tournament badge from the 2004 event, the first one to be sponsored by Commerce Bank following the move to Eisenhower Park.]

Winter Golf On Long Island: 2022-23 Edition

Some people wake up a little groggy on New Year's Day and spend the morning in pajamas, clutching a cup of coffee.  Others wake up a little groggy, see the sun shining on a 45-degree day, and spend the rest of the morning on the golf course, clutching irons and hand warmers.

Golf on a January morning might seem like a bizarre concept to those in the pajama group, but for the ones scanning the 24-hour forecast on their weather apps as the ball gets set to drop on New Year's Eve, it's just another day in Long Island's winter golf season.

There's no official start date to winter golf season -- some might say Thanksgiving, others might argue it begins with the first frost delay.  By late December all of Long Island's seasonal golf courses are closed, leaving the year-round courses with Christmas through mid-March all to themselves.  From a player perspective, if you can handle cold, biting wind and ground conditions that get soggier and sloppier as the offseason progresses, there's no reason to stay home and let your golf clubs and new holiday-gift gear collect dust.

So far the 2022-23 winter has been OK despite the cold snap that temporarily froze everything shut.  We've seen blizzards wreck offseasons before Christmas, so a snow-free Long Island into the new year is always a win.

Some things have changed about winter golf in recent seasons.  Golf On Long Island used to post notable winter-rate specials that were available at local courses, but there's no longer any need.  The days of heavy discounts -- or even moderate price breaks -- appear to be gone.  Courses now keep their winter rates much closer to peak prices than the $35-45 rounds with cart (and sometimes a free breakfast or lunch) from just a few years ago.

Note that some courses are still offering trimmed-down pandemic-era amenities, so check in advance if you want your winter round to include food and drink options or access to the pro shop.

There's also more competition from modern indoor facilities like X-Golf in Commack, Birdies in Patchogue and the semi-enclosed TopGolf in Holtsville.  All offer enjoyable high-tech golf experiences combined with the social attraction (and warmth) of a sports bar and grill.  Another X-Golf is on the way this year in Westbury, and Simplay remains an indoor stalwart in Hauppauge.

Golf On Long Island posts relevant course information as necessary throughout the offseason.  Be sure to follow local courses on social media for the latest on weather closures, frost delays and more.

2022 closing dates for Long Island's seasonal golf courses

[This information was updated on December 24, 2022.]

We've made it to December, and while many on Long Island have already packed away their golf clubs for 2022, the area's cold-resistant players are still out looking for tee times.  The selection is about to get smaller though, because December is closing month on Long Island. 

By the middle of December, the Island's seasonal public golf courses lock up for the final time and hang a "See You In March" sign on the clubhouse door.  So if you have the urge to take on Gibraltar at Timber Point or drive the greens on Brentwood's short par-4s, get those swings in now while you still can.

Or you can just sit back, relax and pick your spots at the Island's many courses that stay open year-round.

The following golf courses are preparing to close for the season this month:

• Eisenhower Red -- December 4
• Bay Park -- December 9
• Sumpwams Creek -- December 10 or 11
• Harbor Links -- December 11 (or later, weather permitting)
• Cherry Creek - Woods Course -- December 11 or 18 (weather permitting)
• Brentwood Country Club -- December 11
  
• Holbrook Country Club -- December 11
  
• West Sayville -- December 18
• Timber Point -- December 18
• Bergen Point -- December 18
• Indian Island -- December 22

Some courses have already closed for 2022, including:

• Bethpage Black
• Bethpage Red
• Bethpage Green
• Harbor Links - Executive Course

Check back daily for the latest closing dates.  And for more information on Long Island's winter season, stay tuned for our annual Winter Golf On Long Island primer.

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.

Bethpage Black to close for season November 13, Red and Green to follow

The countdown has begun at Bethpage Black.  Long Island's top public golf course will close for the season at the conclusion of play on Sunday, November 13.  It will reopen for the 2023 season in mid April.

Meanwhile, the Black's two neighboring courses are also preparing for winter hibernation, though they will remain open a little bit longer.  The Red and Green courses will close on Sunday, November 27.

Long Island's winter golfers will still have the Blue and Yellow courses to enjoy this offseason.  Both courses stay open year-round as long as the weather permits.

Closing dates are subject to change depending on the weather.  In 2020, Bethpage decided to keep the Black Course open for an extra week thanks to favorable November weather, so fans hoping for bonus golf should start rooting for sunny skies and warm temps.  If the weather fails to cooperate, you can play the Black, Red and Green again in April.

Call the park at (516) 249-0700 for updates on course availability during the offseason.

Fall 2022 aeration dates around Long Island

[This schedule was updated on September 22, 2022.]

September is aeration month at Long Island golf courses, and maintenance dates are good to know for local players planning their late-summer and fall rounds.

The following public golf courses will be closed for play (unless otherwise noted) while undergoing fairway and/or greens aeration.  All dates below have been confirmed with representatives or posted online by the course. 

Check back for updates on the courses currently listed as TBA, and for other modifications, as aeration dates are subject to change due to weather and other factors:

• Lido -- September 21 and 28
• Rock Hill -- Late September/early October (dates TBA)
• Eisenhower Red -- October 3
• Bethpage Black -- October 3-5
• Bergen Point -- October 4-5
• Eisenhower White -- October 10
• Mill Pond -- October 11-12
• Bethpage Yellow -- October 11-12
• Eisenhower Blue -- October 17
• Middle Bay -- November 7-8
• Harbor Links -- November (dates TBA)

Some golf courses have already aerated, so be aware that conditions might not be optimal.

• Willow Creek -- August 22-24
• Middle Island -- Week of August 22
• West Sayville -- August 23
• Smithtown Landing -- August 29
• Stonebridge -- August 29-30
• Timber Point Red -- August 29
• Timber Point Blue -- August 30
• Timber Point White -- August 31
• Bethpage Blue -- August 30-31
• Wind Watch -- September 6-7
• Montauk Downs -- September 6-7 (nine holes open)
• Town of Oyster Bay -- September 6-8
• Bethpage Green -- September 7-8
• Poxabogue -- September 7-8
• Swan Lake -- September 8
• Island's End -- September 12 (all facilities closed)
• Bethpage Red -- September 12-13
• Sunken Meadow -- September 12-16; 19-23; 26-30 (course order TBD)
• Pine Hills -- September 13 or 14
• Cherry Creek (Woods) -- September 13
• Cherry Creek (Links) -- September 15
• Glen Cove -- September 13-15
• Holbrook CC -- September 15
• Brentwood CC -- September 19
• Indian Island -- September 20
• Crab Meadow -- September 21

For courses not listed, contact them directly for the latest maintenance schedule.

[This schedule was updated on September 22, 2022.]