Golf on Long Island

Long Island Golf Junkies holding summer golf outing at The Vineyards in Riverhead

The Long Island Golf Junkies players group, one of the largest and most active groups in the region, will hold a summer golf outing next month at The Vineyards Golf Club in Riverhead.  Event date is Monday, July 10 with a shotgun start scheduled for 9:00 a.m.  The LIGJ outing is open to all players.

Entry fee is $220 per golfer.  Outing participants can arrive early for a pre-round breakfast followed by drinks on the course, lunch at the turn and then post-round dinner and open bar.  It is an individual stroke play event with contests for closest to the pin and longest drive, plus raffles and prizes.  Visit the LIGJ website to reserve spots for singles and groups and for full registration details.

The Vineyards is a private club and one of the newer additions to the Long Island golf scene.  Originally known as Olde Vine, the course is laid out on bucolic North Fork grounds bordered by the public Cherry Creek Woods golf course and stretches of agricultural land.  It is a par-70 that tops out at nearly 5,900 yards and features close to 100 sand traps.

LIGJ 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.

2023 Summer Golf Camps on Long Island

[Looking for this year's camp info?  See the Guide to 2024 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.

Meet Mookie Wilson at ninth annual Last Chance Animal Rescue Golf Outing on July 31

Last Chance Animal Rescue will hold its ninth annual golf outing on Monday, July 31 at Stonebridge Golf Links in Smithtown.  All proceeds from the event benefit the non-profit organization's efforts to rescue animals from inhumane kill shelters and relocate them to safe facilities and foster homes. 

This year's main attraction is former New York Mets outfielder and World Series champion Mookie Wilson, who will be on hand at Stonebridge for a meet and greet.  The Last Chance outing will once again include a $10,000 hole-in-one contest.  Entry fee is $250 per player and includes golf, cart and range balls along with lunch, dinner and open bar.  Contests, prizes and raffles will be part of the festivities as well.  Format for the outing is team scramble, with shotgun start scheduled for 1:00 p.m. 

Registration info and sponsorship opportunities are detailed online at the outing website. 

To learn more about Last Chance Animal Rescue, including information on adoption, fostering and volunteering, visit the organization's website at www.lcarescue.org.  And for information on Stonebridge, check out the course flyover.

New in 2023: Bergen Point shortens #9, makes #18 a par-5

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.

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.]

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.

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.

The Rock Golf Club in Wading River turns private two months into its revival

The Rock came back to Wading River, and in a surprise move earlier this month, the club turned heel.

Just two months after its long-awaited reopening, The Rock Golf Club has slammed the door shut on the public players that it wooed back with promises of an all-inclusive member-for-a-day experience and elevated perks.  The course is fully private and will remain so beyond this season.  Golf director Bill Mackedon confirmed the course is no longer open to the public. 

Prospective members can join The Rock for a $25,000 initiation fee and $10,000 in annual dues starting in 2023.

The decision to make it a members-only facility, Mackedon told Golf On Long Island, was made after its July reopening.  Back in June, with the course preparing to welcome golfers again for the first time since October 2019, Mackedon said the club's goal was to provide a memorable experience "for the person who might only be able to get out and play a few times during the season, where everyone feels like they belong."

That spirit of belonging and inclusivity only lasted until Labor Day, however.  Then, players who called to book tee times were instead told the club was available only to members.

Given the optics and timing of such a drastic change of course, it seems more likely that public players -- some of whom spent several hundreds of dollars to play The Rock during its abbreviated summer season -- were simply used as beta testers before a planned decision to turn private.  Some players told Golf On Long Island they felt duped, especially since the course had been dropping hints of its return for well over a year.

In May 2021, new owner Chris Vene told the Riverhead News-Review that the concept for the rejuvenated course would be a club-level experience for those without the time to play a lot of golf or the means to afford membership costs.  "So you go to Great Rock and you're a member for the day," Vene said.

The majority of those who played the course this summer and were surveyed by Golf On Long Island praised its greens, which have long been the strength of The Rock's layout.  But many also agreed that the rest of the course remains in need of significant improvements, especially its bunkers and uneven tee boxes.  Others pointed to ongoing irrigation issues and limited amenities.  Recalling the problems that plagued Great Rock in its final seasons, some players suggested the course needs to take more time to address its underlying turf and maintenance issues.  "They need to close for another year," said one player who logged multiple rounds there even after the course turned private.  "It's basically a glorified municipal course right now."

Bill Scherer said he enjoyed his four rounds at The Rock this summer (at $75 per) and was glad it reopened since it's so close to his home in neighboring Shoreham.  "It plays the way it used to," he said.  "I was disappointed when they told me I could no longer play."

The restaurant, Pulcinella's On The Green, remains open to the public.

For more on Great Rock's closure, sale and subsequent reopening as The Rock, see GOLI's write-up from this past June.

[PICTURED: The Rock's downhill ninth prior to the course's 2022 opening.]