A side look at the green for Cherry Creek's famous par-6 18th hole on the "Links" course. The only par-6 on LI. (photo courtesy cherrycreeklinks.com.)

TWO 18-HOLE COURSES

Links Course: Ranked No. 24 in our Top 30

Pro: Eileen McCaffrey

Website: www.cherrycreeklinks.com

General Information: 631-369-6500
Pro Shop & Reservations: 631-506-0777
Reserved tee times are available seven days in advance for anytime during the week or after 10:30 a.m. on weekends
Run by: Privately owned & operated
Open: Year-round, weather permitting
Restrictions: No metal spikes and proper attire
USGA Computer ‘handicap’ system available: yes Cost: $30
Credit Cards accepted: All major cards
Available for Outings: Yes
Carts: Pull - N/A    Power - $30 for 18
Club Rentals: $20 for 9 holes; $35 for 18 holes

Amenities:
Pro Shop: Yes, full service
Lessons: Yes; Clinics: Yes
Driving Range: 25 stalls, all with grass tees
Practice Putting Greens: Yes
Practice Sand Bunker: Yes
Practice Chipping Area: Yes
Clubhouse: Yes
Lockers: Yes, for men and women
Showers: Yes, for men only
Restaurant: Yes
Bar / Lounge: Yes
Snack Bar: On course at 10th hole
Snack Cart: Roams course in season

18-Hole Links Course

Built: 1996
Architect: Charles Jurgens

Description: The original 18 at Cherry Creek set the tone for what is now one of the premier upscale public golf facilities on Long Island. It offers both country-club ambiance and conditions at an exceptionally fair price. This 18 is a long, links-style course with some moderately-elevated tees and tricky, undulating greens.  Most of the greens are pretty open to approaches, and with a scattering of young trees, it plays fair no matter your skill level or the set of tees you play from.

The course is also open to the breezes and can get to be a tough go-around when the wind is blowing.  The rolling fairways are generous and fun considering the length.  Water comes into play on four holes, including the 18th, a 644-yard par-6; the only par-6 on L.I.

Readers Comments: Can be a real test even for the better golfer.  A beautiful layout that is always well maintained.  Lush fairways and beautiful greens make it feel like my own country club for the day.  I may be in the minority on this but I like the eagle-birdie opportunity on the par 6 18th hole.

18-Hole Woods Course

Built: 2002
Architect: Young & Young with Charles Jurgens

Description: Nestled in 130-plus acres of the East End’s
finest woodlands, this course was designed with the
low handicapper in mind and comes through  with an apt test at a reasonable length.

The rolling fairways are narrow and tightly tree-lined, offering an ample amount of doglegs to test accuracy off the tee.  Without getting your tee ball on the correct side of the fairway, an overhanging limb can block out your shot to the green.  With most greens being pretty accessable, a run-up to the green is always an option, as well.

The undulating putting surfaces are normally pretty fast, making it tough once you get on the dance floor.  There is also water on a couple holes, one peninsula green and some longer par-5s, so if you're not hitting it straight, the course can sneak its way up and be quite challenging.  There are also three short par-4s -- Nos. 10, 11 & 16 -- offering the big hitters some of the classic risk/reward scenerios.  A fun test, no matter your skill level.

Readers Comments: Some of the tightest fairways on L.I. ... I enjoy all the doglegs left and right ... On a number of holes, I thought I hit a good drive and ended up blocked out by an overhanging tree branch ... Reminds me a bit of Harbor Town on Hilton Head [in South Carolina], only not nearly as tough or scenic.

Directions: Distance from Manhattan approximately 75 miles.

LIE (east) to exit 73, this turns into Rte. 58 (east), follow for approximately 3 miles to traffic circle, go 3/4 way around circle and head north on Roanoake Ave.  Follow Roanoake for approx. 1 1/2 miles to Reeves Ave. (go right), 3/4 mile to The Links course course on the left and the Woods course on the right.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THESE COURSES?

LET US KNOW!