Description: So unique for the area, this course was built on the former site of a gravel and sand mine on the North Shore of L.I., making for beautiful elevation changes and drastic, visually stimulating golf.
A look down on the almost-island green of the par-3 17th at Harbor Links. (photo courtesy harborlinks.com)
On the edges of the course are huge, 100-foot-high dunes - now covered with shrubbery - that used to be the edge of the sand pits and can be seen throughout the round. It creates a feeling of privacy, like you could be in the middle of the Arizona desert.
There are three holes on the course that have split fairways, which allow for some interesting decision making off the tees. As a whole, the par-4s are long, the par-5s are wonderfully risk-reward, and the par-3s are an aesthtic delight. (No. 17, a 207-yard gem with a quasi-island green was even better before the towering apartment complex was built next to it).
Reader Comments: An absolute joy from the minute you walk in the (new) clubhouse to the minute you walk off the golf course ... A great round of golf, and so different from everything in the area ... I love the split fairways, and the course was in tip-top condition.
Description: One of the area’s best maintained facilities, the greens and fairways here are kept like any quality private course. The front nine is built around the reservoir with many of the holes playing alongside it and some playing over it. The back nine offers numerous ponds and streams - and even quicksand on the 15th and 16th holes. The layout offers numerous doglegs, blind shots, and some very hilly holes with sloping fairways, making it tough to find a flat lie.
The beautiful, serene setting at Richter Park. (photo courtesy of richterpark.com)
Water comes into play on 14 holes. The greens are mostly large and multi-tiered, normally aptly bunkered and not easy to approach. Club selection off the tee is always a vital decision. It’s a tough, but fair test for even the low-handicapper.
Reader Comments: Beautiful, scenic, park-like setting with all the water makes it one of the prettiest courses around ... Challenging and difficult but fair and immensely enjoyable ... Fabulous design, very well kept ... Great mix of holes ... A must play for every serious golfer ... A very special place! We’re lucky to have it in our area.
