The National & Shinnecock Hills

[Heath12]

Golf in Southampton in July

Heading to New York City from Melbourne Australia in late June and over to Southampton in early July. Arranged to play at National Golf Links and Shinnecock Hills. Not settled on accommodation yet. Any suggestions? Course tips? Helpful advice?

[pmon12]

Extremely jealous! How were you able to arrange that if you don't mind me asking?

[teejaywhy]

First rule about access: don't talk about access.

[Heath12]

[quote name='teejaywhy' timestamp='1334065579' post='4692046']
First rule about access: don't talk about access.
[/quote]


Well said.
Very lucky I guess.



Looking for any info re accommodation and any other tips people might have.

[Driver Eight]

National is fantastic...phenomenal golf experience, make sure you stay for the lobster lunch (been called the finest golf lunch in america). Know they have rooms available to stay overnight, not sure how hard it would be to arrange. Unfortunately never played Shinnecock, heard golf is great but not as fun an experience as National.

Otherwise would just state the obvious in that going to the hamptons june-aug is peak time so getting in and out and finding a place to stay can be tough (especially around weekends).

[Heath12]

Thanks for the interest. Any tips or other comments much appreciated. I'm very excited about the trip and any pointers from others who have played these icons would be great.

[dporto]

Accomodations in Southampton itself are pretty slim - The Southampton Inn would be the only "hotel" to speak of. There are several "Bed and Breakfast" types available though... Check out [url="http://www.hamptons.com"]www.hamptons.com[/url] for more info. If your looking to save a little cash, there are several new hotels (Holiday Inn, Hyatt...) in the Riverhead area about 20 - 30 minutes to the Northwest (depending on time of travel it could be longer due to traffic). Good luck and enjoy your stay!

[teejaywhy]

While I haven't played either course, I think it would be neat to study and play the Macdonald template holes at the National.

[Heath12]

Thanks for the posts - but there must be more WRXers out there who've played these iconic courses? Thoughts, tips anyone?

[dporto]

I've played Shinnecock twice, but haven't played National or Sebonac...yet...! Shinnecock is as awesome as you've heard and I'm sure you will enjoy it immensely. My only tips would be to definitely take a caddy and keep it out of the fescue. If the wind is not howlin' it's not all that difficult.

[liptrot]

Shinnecock is fantastic but can really eat you alive. When in trouble take your lumps and get back into play. Bogeys can turn into doubles and triples in a hurry.

National is my favorite course. It is very challenging but also very playable. One of the only true links in the USA in that it is basically straight out and back. Try to take advantage of the wind when it's at your back Don't be greedy on 1st tee and don't try to drive green. Ob left and Not 1 but 2 elephants buried in 1st green. 2nd hole is driveable. If you know how to play in the wind you can score. The entire course is fantastic but the stretch from 15 on is truly outstanding. Enjoy the vistas and don't miss the lunch if it is an option. Have a few southsides on the porch. One of the best days in golf

Also, skip sebonack and play friars head if you can get on. You'll thank me later

[Heath12]

How far is Friars Head from National? Friends have just returned from a big golf trip and played Friars and were very impressed. The variety of the dune and farm land and the way Crenshaw ties them together was a highlight.

[CPSOX]

[quote name='Heath12' timestamp='1335187757' post='4772786']
How far is Friars Head from National? Friends have just returned from a big golf trip and played Friars and were very impressed. The variety of the dune and farm land and the way Crenshaw ties them together was a highlight.
[/quote]


Friars Head is my favorite course on LI behind Shinnecock and National....and I've played them all. I actually like it better than Sand Hills. If you get the chance, play it.

[liptrot]

Depending on day of week and time of year it is a30 minute ride from friars to shinny / national.

[beereye]

if you stay in riverhead, it is probably the same drive time to both national/shinnecock and friars head. national is a great course. be prepared for a lot of blind shots, lots of humps and hollows. take a caddy, local knowledge is very important.

[dporto]

[quote name='pdnsdb' timestamp='1335230880' post='4777574']
if you stay in riverhead, it is probably the same drive time to both national/shinnecock and friars head. [/quote]

Not really. From the hotels in Riverhead it's only a 10 minute ride up to Friars Head (which for all intents and purposes is in Riverhead - Baiting Hollow is part of Riverhead Township). As stated earlier Shinnecock Hills/NGLA is roughly 30 min. to the Southeast depending on traffic.

[drucalem3030]

If you make it into central long island there is always Bethpage Black. A real treat to play.

[cgbm]

Great couses out here. If you want to save some cash, you can stay at my house for free and i will drive you anywhere you want, if you can get me on shinnecock with you?
Save yourself a big grip of cash from room and board as well as rental car.
To top it off, i may give you a ride on my coast guard boat and take you up to sebonac from the sea.
Cant add that as incentive but may be fun.
Pm if interested

[liptrot]

Montauk downs is in great shape and greens are lightning fast right now. You could add that to the mix

[Heath12]

Thanks for the responses - sadly I can't arrange playing companions.
Can anyone recommend somewhere to play in NYC itself - I have 10 days there before going to Southampton?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Again - thanks for the posts so far.

[ochowie]

[quote name='Heath12' timestamp='1336211329' post='4853290']
Thanks for the responses - sadly I can't arrange playing companions.
Can anyone recommend somewhere to play in NYC itself - I have 10 days there before going to Southampton?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Again - thanks for the posts so far.
[/quote]

You could go hit range balls at Chelsea Piers? I think the closest course is up in Van Cortlandt Park?

[2ball]

[quote name='Itinerant Golfer' timestamp='1334096242' post='4695714']
[quote name='Heath12' timestamp='1334052093' post='4691334']
Any suggestions? Course tips? Helpful advice?
[/quote]

Just have fun. Those are two of the best courses in the US. Just enjoy yourself and soak it all in. You'll have a blast.

Steve
[/quote]



....And don't stare.