Huntington - New York - USA

The array of quality golf options on Long Island along makes it one of the very special places to play golf. The key is having some sort of access because the overwhelming bulk of layouts is on the private side.

Huntington is rarely spoken about when many come to the Island because of the desire to play more of the "named" layouts. Make no mistake about, HCC is true to its roots and the club has wisely seen fit to preserve the character of its creator -- Devereux Emmet. The land is well used and there's sufficient movement so you will encounter a range of holes which are skillfully protected by a range of bunkers.

The layout is at its strongest for the first dozen holes -- plenty of variation and players will be routed to different corners so adjustments are routinely called upon. The par-4 10th is one of my favorite holes on Long Island with its shotmaking requirements front and center.

Amazingly, if HCC were located anywhere else but Long Island it's overall standing would be far more appreciated.

M. James Ward