Long Island PUBLIC golf?

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Pre-trip planning

I will be in New Jersey/New York in late August. Of course I am planning on playing Bethpage Black and maybe the Red.

I am also interested in these courses, any input from previous experiences??? I am leaning heavily towards Montauk Downs (pictured) and Long Island National.


Montauk Downs
Long Island National
Harbor Links
Links at Shirley
Tallgrass Gc

Are there any others I may be missing?

[stevepoz]

2 Junes ago I played Montauk first out then hightailed it to Bethpage (a long drive) and got a tee time for 15 mins after I pulled into the parking lot.

 

2 great choices, both from my obviously very ltd experiences great courses. However, from playing both the same day, Montauk is a distant second to the Black.

[Coach]

On a scale of 1-10

 

Bethpage Black 9 - The Mother Ship

 

Bethpage Red 5, very nice but somewhat repetitive par 4's, many people rate it higher due to its toughness

 

Montauk Downs 6 - Great course getting better due to recent work, #2 after BB

 

Long Island National 5.5 - Moden course, couple of awkward holes but a very nice day, sort of the public Shinnecock.

 

Harbor Links 3 - I would pass.

 

Links at Shirley - 3 Carolina/Florida style course in the Pines of Long Island, I would pass.

 

Tallgrass Gc - 6 I like the course alot, but it is short and quirky. Built on a flat sod farm, but the architect carved out some cool holes and greens.

 

Are there any others I may be missing? If you have a spare $500,000 we can get you on Sebonnack!!

 

 

[857 Pro-Ti]

1: The Black

2: Montauk

3: Red

4: LI National

 

If you do a search I have a thread with some nice pics of Montauk

[Long Shot]

You should really enjoy Bethpage and Montauk. A little sugestion in planning if I may. It might be a good idea to stay overnight out towards Montauk and enjoy the whole experience out there. It is a very enjoyable place (nightlife in the Hamptons, and leisurly living in Montauk). All three are great courses, Long Island National is a little overated (overpriced), but is usually in good condition. If you are going to be in the area also look into Island's End Golf Course on the North Fork (Montauk is the southern fork at the end of Long Island). The north fork also happens to be the Long Island wine country. Above NYC is another place called the Concord Resort & Golf Club a very tough course and great accomodations.