Long Island's Ultimate Course

May 14, 2019

Long Island’s Ultimate Course

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All-star grouping selected

By M. James Ward

The spotlight shines brightly upon Bethpage State Park this week and its illustrious Black Course in hosting the PGA Championship. But golf's 3rd oldest major marks just another glowing chapter in the overall depth of superior courses dotting the landscape called Long Island. The area stretches west to the border with Queens County and New York City and to the far reaches of the twin forks with Orient Point and Montauk Point respectively.

Long Island's Ultimate Course

May 14, 2019

Long Island’s Ultimate Course

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All-star grouping selected

By M. James Ward

The quality of the golf on Long Island can easily surpass nearly all the States in America and if measured globally would be a prime contender for the overall top position.

I have been quite fortunate in sampling the rich and varied golf menu for well over 40 years. Although I am by birth a resident of nearby Northern New Jersey the allure of the golf on Long Island is nothing less than a tour de force experience and I, and many others, eagerly return each golf season to sample the golf treasures provided.

To better appreciate the depth of courses on Long Island I opted to create an all-star collection of eighteen holes. Given the qualities of the key courses I created a few self-imposed local rules.

Only one hole per course can be used. To do otherwise would mean iconic layouts such as Shinnecock Hills and National Golf Links, as well as the more recent additions with Friar's Head and Sebonack, would easily have over half of the holes selected from their respective layouts.
Holes selected must occupy the numeric position they occupy on their respective layouts. The position of where a hole is located in the actual routing is a major ingredient in why such a hole has importance. To do otherwise would mean an incoherent hodgepodge of holes without clear identity tied to a specific placement during a round.
And, finally, I wanted to make sure the selected holes configure to an actual course par of 72. Like a crossword puzzle that meant making tough choices on which holes were ultimately picked.

The nines are uneven with an outward par of 37 and inward total of 35. The total length for the course comes to 7,082 yards. The holes work in unison – providing a rich brew of architectural heft in full display.

Long Island is blessed with exquisite terrain – complemented by a superior sand base at a number of key locations where golf took hold. It also helped that classical architects came to America during the early part of the 20th century and were able to seize upon these attributes by creating a depth of courses that arguably has no peer on the planet.

Opening holes are often arranged in allowing golfers to stretch the muscles. Some courses feature strenuous tests but my starting hole is more about precision than just sheer brawn. The men's club at Garden City is a great example of heathland architecture hidden away from view in Nassau County. The opening hole is rather tempting given the lack of overall length. Those seeking a bold opening stroke can get to the green but not without risking a good deal in doing so.

The area nearest to the green turns slightly left, bunkers awaiting those failing in shaping a tee shot accordingly. A birdie – even eagle – is doable. But, keep this in mind, shortness in yardage does not automatically mean a default option in being easy.

After a mild opening hole be prepared for a demanding no-nonsense par-4 at Sebonack. The collaboration of designers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak makes for one of the most unusual and talented twosomes in golf architecture. Credit owner Michael Pascucci in getting these two giants hooked up. Their joint effort produced a layout that can compete in a number of ways with its storied neighbors Shinnecock Hills and National Golf Links. That's one tall order indeed and far from hyperbole.

The 2nd often plays into the prevailing wind and a quality tee shot is an absolute must. You start your journey by avoiding two stately elms situated near to the tee. Bunkers are well positioned in the drive zone and the key for one's approach is being on the short grass. The green is slightly elevated and features a diabolical false front that awaits the indifferent play. Bunkers guard the rear for those too bold in their efforts. The 2nd at Sebonack provides an intoxicating mixture of beauty and robust challenge. Not only is the hole among the finest long par-4's in all of Long Island, but the 2nd has plenty of ammunition to be rightly considered one of the best long par-4's in the world.

The father of American golf – Charles Blair Macdonald – created a masterpiece with his effort at National Golf Links. While it’s true a number of other holes could have been selected, I find the par-4 3rd to be an absolute gem. Patterned after the "Alps hole" at Prestwick, the 3rd is actually better than the original. The land is rich in character and the range of options is impressive. Choosing the correct course of action begins at the tee. One has to be prudent in not going too far down the left side as the fairway terminates. Players who don't hit the fairway can play up the right side and leave themselves a short pitch. The green is tucked uphill and behind a large round hill. Those going this route had best know that a half-hearted play can reach a hidden deep cross-bunker where escape is highly problematic.

No matter how many times you have played the hole, the rush of excitement in finding out exactly where your approach has landed when clearing the hill is exhilarating.

This week's PGA Championship will once again shine plenty of justified attention on the magnificence of the par-5 4th at Bethpage Black. The hole is blessed with superior terrain and the architecture is nothing less than riveting.

Starting from an elevated tee the three-level hole is spectacular. The tee shot can be either daring or diplomatic. Those taking on the massive left side fairway bunker had best execute without hesitation. The second biggest decision is then carrying one's second shot over a Sahara bunker that runs perpendicular to the line of play. Should you hit the rough with your tee shot the carry over this bunker is far from certain.

For the PGA Championship, the world's best players will likely attempt to reach the green in two shots. The green is no easy target as it falls away from the line of play and is quite narrow. There's also a large frontal bunker which must be carried sufficiently as its high face is quick to grab any miss-hit.

There are few par-5's in the world that offer such a wide-ranging array of options and scoring outcomes and do so without the involvement of water. The 4th at Bethpage Black is indeed unforgettable.

It’s hard to concentrate on golf when you reach the 5th tee at Fishers Island. With arresting views of the Atlantic Ocean to your right, the challenge is focusing on the task at-hand. The Seth Raynor design is among his finest – likely his greatest effort. The hole sports a Biarritz presentation albeit in a modified form. The scale of all the elements is mega-big.

The green is super-sized – as are the flanking bunkers. It’s breathtaking beauty and supreme challenge all in one hole – grand stuff indeed. The motto for the 5th should be right to the point – stand and deliver. For those wondering how can Fishers Island be included with others from Long island? The State of New York deems Fishers Island part of Suffolk County and therefore I decided to add it into the grouping.

The 6th at Piping Rock shows the keen mindset of its creator, Charles Blair Macdonald. This was his first inland course following his highly acclaimed effort at The National Golf Links of America and it was his talented associate Seth Raynor who carried through with the actual construction.

Piping Rock view from 6th hole looking back across the old polo field (now the driving range) to the clubhouse - photo courtesy of John Sabino

The fairway at the 6th includes a number of bunkers and those failing to pay heed will likely be paying a visit costing strokes. The fairway elbows slightly to the right and those looking to get maximum distance had best place the ball carefully as the landing area narrows on the right with rough and with a series of bunkers on the left. Strong players can reach the 6th in two shots but simply getting to the hole will not mean a fast and easy birdie. Quite the contrary, the 6th features a top-tier location that resists anything but the finest of plays. The rear bunker placement is ably positioned to catch aggressive approaches.

A 2015/16 restoration effort brought back playing angles to their original intent. The 6th, like so many other holes at Piping Rock, has benefited immensely from this effort.

Little known to many outsiders, Southampton is a fine club, set immediately next door to Shinnecock Hills. Seth Raynor did the design here and the 7th showcases a modified Redan-like green. Golfers had best pay close attention to a pesky frontal bunker which is ideally located to catch players looking to flight a ball in that direction and away from the two bunkers on the left.

The green is tiled on a diagonal from upper left to lower right. The two aforementioned bunkers on the left are well positioned to catch the miss-hit or under-clubbed effort. The green is suitably contoured and those missing to either far side will have a most difficult time escaping with less than bogey. A large bunker on the right side of the green is also one to be avoided.

The recent course updating of Meadow Brook has paid off well. The scale of the property is truly impressive. There's no clutter at Meadow Brook now as was the case years ago.

The par-5 8th is a first rate three-shot hole. The drive is tested from the outset as one needs to work the ball to the left but not so much as a series of bunkers hug that side. The hole snakes back to the right and there is another ideally located fairway bunker protecting the inside portion of the fairway.

The green is slightly elevated and is quite large like many of the Dick Wilson greens at the club. A grouping of bunker is well placed near the green. The 8th is a solid golf hole – working the ball and providing sufficient distance control is central to one's success. Many par-5 holes are viewed as "breathers" for players – the 8th is anything but routine.

The most memorable aspect of Maidstone is the middle portion of holes nearest to the Atlantic Ocean and showcasing an authentic links-like dimension. The standout effort comes at the par-4 9th. Running parallel to the coast the intersection of dramatic beauty and high-octane shot-making requirements makes for a classic connection. Being so near to the Atlantic means wind patterns plays a constant factor and ever-changing dimension.

The putting surface is elevated and like an honest judge accepts no bribes or shortcuts. You need to make your case with flawless execution because falls-off await the half-hearted effort. The 9th at Maidstone demonstrates conclusively that quality par-4 holes need not be the domain of the long slog-oriented type holes.

The most noted of all Long Island courses is Shinnecock Hills. Picking just one hole was really hard because the layout has a slew of world-class holes.

The 10th – named Eastward Ho – starts the inward half of holes which collectively are simply brilliant. The 10th presents a range of choices and when you stand on the tee you see a saddle of a fairway squeezed between fescue-covered mounds.

At 260 yards the fairway plummets dramatically. Players can opt to hit lay-up shots between 240-260 yards and from that point play approaches to the green. Those opting to be more aggressive can go with driver and if successful will have their tee shot propel all the way to the bottom of the hill leaving as little 90-100 yards to an elevated green. Should the more aggressive route be chosen, the key is avoiding two hidden fairway bunkers to the left and punishing rough to the right side. Jack Nicklaus is well aware of this – having lost his first ball in major championship play during the 1st round of the 1986 US Open when hitting into the far right rough.

The green is devilishly circular and featuring a rise all the way around its perimeter. There's also a diabolical false front grabbing any approach hit even a millimeter short and sending your ball back down the hill 60-70 yards away.

When the wind is howling the green will dry out and requires a crisply struck approach. Going over is even worse than being short. Being long can mean one's ball being propelled 20-25 yards away from the hole and leaving the most dangerous of shots pitching back to a green that can easily send one's ball off the false front. A quintessential hole blessed with a first-rate terrain and architectural heft of the highest order.

Few people outside of members and their select guests ever play Deepdale. The existing course is the handiwork of Dick Wilson and is among his finest creations.

The 11th is a long par-4 adroitly showcases what Wilson emphasized. The straightaway hole features a drive zone ably protected by a series of fairway bunkers on the right side. The longer the tee shot is played the more precise the placement must be as the landing area tapers in from both sides. In short, if you want to hit driver, you're free to do so. But only those that combine power and placement will earn the reward.

Wilson also provided a green ably shaped and raised slightly above the fairway – narrower towards the front and well protected by a series of bunkers on both sides. Deepdale is renowned for the speed of its green and the 11th holds true to form. Those missing the green will have to work especially hard to escape. Deepdale will not generate much visibility, clearly a club's prerogative, but make no mistake the final product Wilson provided remains a solid test.

There are only two holes from public courses on my listing and the 12th hole was my last slot to fill and I needed to include a quality par-3. Like Bethpage, Montauk Downs is part of the New York State Parks system. The course found here today comes from the efforts of architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. Generally, this hole is played into the prevailing southwest wind and there are times when full driver may be required for nearly all players. Sad to say, the long par-3 has drifted into the shadows. That's a shame. The testing of players to hit a long iron or hybrid or even fairway metal is a skill that is brought to the forefront.

The 12th green is elevated above the fairway with two well-placed bunkers located on the left and right sides. When the pin is cut tight to either side the approach requirements raise significantly. There's a bailout element for those less inclined if you hit it straight between the bunkers. The key begins with the shot trajectory because if there's one certain aspect you can generally count on, it’s the wind blowing. Count on this – the 12th at Montauk Downs does not suffer foolish play gladly.

Credit owner Robert Rubin for the vision of The Bridge. Built on the former Bridgehampton auto racetrack, the property is truly stunning for the vistas provided. One of the most scenic comes with the long par-4 13th. Starting from an elevated tee the backdrop simply captures your eye with Noyack Bay in the distance.

The tee shot begins from an elevated perch. You descend into the fairway below and credit architect Rees Jones for splendid fairway bunker placements. Shaping the tee shot is crucial to avoid finding yourself in one of them. Protecting the putting surface is a solitary bunker and should the pin be placed anywhere near the left side it will take a top-tier approach execution to succeed. Jones added run-offs for those missing the approach and securing a par when doing so would be far from automatic. The 13th demonstrates how powerful the connection between beauty and challenge can be when carried out at a high level.

The 14th is a testament to the grand design provided by Charles Blair Macdonald. The 14th features a creek that protects the right side of the drive zone on this dogleg right uphill hole. Golfers can hit driver but the reward is a small one as the available landing area narrows considerably with the creek jutting into play.

The approach plays uphill and the best advice is to take an extra club to get onto the putting surface. The green is quick and sloping and accepts the surest of strokes. The 14th fits the land superbly – decision is always an issue as the wind pattern off nearby Long Island Sound changes daily – sometimes even hourly!

Choosing one hole from Friar's Head is no easy task but the 15th was selected for a range of reasons. The view from the tee captures it all. When arriving at the 15th you’re rendered speechless by what you see. The hole moves downhill turning gently to the left on the drive. In the background is Long Island Sound and the combination of land and water is truly magnificent.

The 15th tempts the player to make the big tee shot – trying to position your shot as far down the hill as possible. A single bunker occupies the left side and must be avoided. Those looking for maximum gain had best be aware the fairway does narrow considerably as more distance is sought. The approach is also tested with a false front that repels all but the surest of efforts. The genius of co-designers Coore and Crenshaw is allowing the land to be the main attraction – adding the golf into the picture without overplaying one's hand. The 15th illustrates that supreme talent in grand fashion.

Working the ball off the tee is a lost art given today's clubs and balls. However, when you arrive at the 16th hole at North Shore you had best have this skill. The hole provides the possibility for an eagle and birdie but to do so the execution needs to be carried out with precision. Those seeking to gain the most off the tee need to work-the-ball from right-to-left. If you don't turn the ball sufficiently you can easily run out of fairway.

The hole is named "Ravine" and one must be ever vigilant in avoiding it. The natural movement of the land is simply first rate. Hitting the green in two shots takes a well-crafted approach. In recent years the club hired Tom Doak's firm to bring back to life the many elements the club originally provided. The green site is also splendid. Plenty of movement abounds. For those missing the green with the approach you'll be forced to raise your efforts to escape unscathed.

Few people have heard about St. George's but the Devereux Emmet design is well worth playing if an invite is offered. The penultimate hole on its face appears to be rather pedestrian. But such assessments are often founded on ignorance. A stellar short par-3 is the ultimate democratic hole. The full range of handicap types are tested for their nerve with the shortest of clubs.

Calculating the wind when standing on the tee is a central element for success as the elevated green is rigorously protected on all sides by deep bunkers. Be mindful of the under club or miss-hit because it's not uncommon for balls to come back off the green and receive a most serious fate. Matching ball trajectory and pinpoint distance is essential. Done correctly a birdie awaits. Done incorrectly – bogey or worse. Short par-3s promise such easy pickings – this hole is very capable of picking your pocket instead.

Far too often final holes impose a slog (usually a lengthy par-4) serving as the conclusion. I opted to go in another direction – one employed at a number of clubs in the United Kingdom. The ending hole in this case is a clear opportunity to finish with a birdie – even eagle – if circumstances work.

The tandem of Coore and Crenshaw has created a seductive teaser here. The tee shot can be played conservatively or one can opt to turn the ball to the left and seek the green. To do so, the brave play must be executed flawlessly. Danger lurks for hapless play. The most memorable dimension is that so many different numbers are in play based on the strategy chosen and the execution provided. The green has an array of movements and it pays to be especially cognizant of just how a bold you want to be. A closing hole should provide a way to leave with a smile, but not guarantee that it will happen. The 18th at East Hampton concludes the round perfectly.