(photo courtesy lidogolf.com.)

18-HOLE COURSE

Ranked No. 22 in our Top 30

General Information, Pro Shop and Reservations: 516-889-8181

Reserved tee times can be made by telephone, up to seven days in advance at an additional fee of $5 per person, and must be confirmed with a major credit card. 48-hour cancellation notice required
Owned & operated: by The Town of Hempstead
Open: 6 days a week year-round, weather permitting, closed on Wednesdays
Available for Outings & Banquets: Yes
USGA Computer ‘handicap’ system available: Yes; Cost: $35 per year 
Credit Cards accepted: Yes: Amex, Visa, MC
Discounts: For twilight play
Carts: Pull - $5; Power - $18.50 per person for 18 holes
Club Rentals: $40 for 18 holes
Restrictions: Dress code enforced; no tank tops, cut-offs, etc. Soft spikes only

Website: www.lidogolf.com

Amenities:
Pro Shop: Yes, full service  
Lessons: Yes; Clinics: Yes
Driving Range: Yes, 26 stalls
Practice Putting Greens: Yes
Practice Chipping Area: Yes
Clubhouse: Yes
Lockers / Showers: Yes, for men & women
Restaurant: Yes
Bar / Lounge: Yes  
Snack Bar: On course at Nos. 4, 7 and 10.

18-HOLE COURSE

Built: 1914; Architect: Charles Blair Macdonald
Completely new design and land: 1948; Architect: Robert Trent Jones

Description: The story of “The Lido” -- as it was called when it was a resort course built by C.B Macdonlad in 1914 -- could rival the grandiose rhetoric in any fairytale. Famed golf writer Bernard Darwin simply called it the “finest golf course in the world,” and by all accounts it was on par with the likes of National Golf Links (another Macdonald design), Shinnecock and Pine Valley.

(Read Macdonald's take from a 1915 issue of Golf Illustrated here.)

Unfortunately, that course is now gone, but what exists (across the street from the old site) is a real links-style course situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Reynolds Channel. Designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1948, the current layout has wonderful views of the water.

With scarcely a tree anywhere, even the inland holes - which are wide-open and feature a dotting of fairway bunkers - can play tough. The holes on the water (nine all together have significant water in play) are no easy task when the wind is dead, and when it’s up, are as tough as any links-style in the area. For the most part, the greens are small, elevated and well guarded, with some deep greenside bunkers throughout.

Signature Hole: No. 16, 487-yard Par 5. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that No. 16 is one of the most unique holes in the area. Because it’s a relatively short par 5, there is a decision off the tee to play aggressively or lay back. The fairway is shaped like a “Y” and is surrounded by water on all sides. Straightaway off the tee about 250 yards reaches a shallow bunker than the water, and the green is off to the right. Playing up the right side of the “Y” is the shortest route to the green -- although gives you a tougher angle to a putting surface which is long and narrow and angled away from fairway from left-to-right.

Reader Comments: A good golf course that currently needs all around better conditioning.  The Town of Hempstead took over management of the course this past year and we are anxious to see how they do.  Early reports are that they don't seem to be interested in "pace of play" and that could be a real problem for them.  A real “bear” when the wind is blowing.  Some very good, challenging holes on the back nine.

Directions: Distance from Manhattan approximately 35 miles.
Take LIE (east) to Exit 38 - follow signs to Jones Beach and Meadowbrook Pkwy.  Meadowbrook Pkwy. to exit M-10 (Lido Beach - Loop Pkwy.).  Take Loop Pkwy. to end ( about 3 miles), go right (west) on Lido Blvd. approximately 2 miles to course on right.

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