We played The ‘Links’ at Ferry Point in early autumn after a period of good weather, meaning it had its best possible chance to demonstrate its firm and fast links qualities. Being from the UK, I've played a lot of links golf over the years and while this golf course may over promise and under deliver in regard to its links credentials, that small naming indiscretion is the main negative in what otherwise is a very solid and enjoyable publicly playable layout.

Where does it fall down in its ‘links’ claims? Put simply, the ground isn’t firm enough, the fairways aren’t interesting and random enough in terms of their contouring and Nicklaus couldn’t help but introduce a few internal water features that feel a little out of keeping with the traditional links theme. The rolling dune backdrop that has been crafted on this once waste ground though is a compelling spectacle, and the greens are regularly pushed up above the height of the fairway, making them elusive targets, increasing the challenge of controlling your ball in the wind. As Jack often manages to do, he has created a rather attritional golf course here and that arduous nature is reminiscent of links golf of that there is no doubt. If you squint, with the long grasses waving atop the man-crafted dunes in the seemingly ever present breeze, you could conceivably and briefly find your mind tricked into thinking you are somewhere in the British Isles. The regular flashes of the New York skyline and chorus of Bronx life beyond the boundary fence brings that mirage back into full focus however..

Pre-round warning: if you are a regular golfer with a mid-range handicap, do not be too bold with your tee choice. The aforementioned ground and regularly gusty wind mean that this course plays its yardage and any miscalculation of tee choice will be rewarded with a collection of scores resembling a bingo card. The fairways are generous in the main, but the long grasses and abundant fairway bunkering are a punishing combination, and there is no let up when reaching the large green sites that are sloping and well defended.

The water holes 7, 16 and 17 aside, there is a real feeling of coherence here and that is credit to the design for making it feel so well balanced. There are also no weak holes as such and plenty of standout moments. The opening two par-4’s are a strong introduction; the 1st a strategic and visually vibrant affair and the 2nd, a worthy SI1 that is lengthy and defined by its extremely well defended green site, with a trio of bunkers encircling a green that is smaller than it appears from the fairway.