18-HOLE COURSE

The scenic view at the short par-3 5th hole. (photo courtesy indianislandcountryclub.com)

Pro: Steve Feder, PGA

General Information, and Pro Shop: 631-727-7776
Reservations: 631-244-7275
Reserved tee times can only be made by resident and non-resident “key card” holders  Cards can be purchased in the County courses’ Pro Shops and also at the County’s Parks Administration Office.  County residents can reserve up to 7 days in advance.  Non-residents can reserve up to 3 days in advance.  There is an additional fee of $4 per person for all reservations
Run by: Suffolk County Dept. of Parks 
Open: Mid-March through January
Restrictions: Dress code strictly enforced; collared shirts and soft spikes required
Available for Outings: Yes  
Credit Cards accepted: All major cards
Discounts: For seniors and juniors on weekdays; also for twilight play.
USGA Computer ‘handicap’ system available: Yes;    Cost: $25
Club Rentals: $20 for 18 holes
Carts: Pull - $3; Power - $25 for 18 holes

Amenities:
Pro Shop: Yes, full service    
Lessons: Yes; Clinics: Yes    
Driving Range: Yes, 25 stalls
Practice Putting Greens: Yes
Practice Chipping Area: None
Clubhouse: Yes
Bar / Lounge: Yes
Lockers / Showers: Yes, for men and women
Restaurant: Yes, catering available

Website: http://www.indianislandcountryclub.com/index.html

GOLF COURSE
Built: 1971
Architect: William Mitchell

Description: If Indian Hill has anything going for it -- and it does -- then it's the scenery.  Set partially on the water in Riverhead, where the two Long Island forks split, this links-style course offers beautiful views of Flanders Bay as well as the Peconic River and Saw Mill Brook. 

Built on a relatively flat piece of land, the course is moderately short but not by any means uninteresting.  It is one of those courses that can be considered a Tale of Two Nines, with the front nine (plus No. 10) playing out along the water, and the back going under Route 105 and having to a mostly woodland feel.  On the front, most fairways are wide open, with the biggest challenge coming with the water on a couple tee shots (most notably the water that runs along the whole left side of No. 10, a nice par-5).  Starting at No. 11, there are groves of oak and maple trees, which tighten the course a bit and take the wind out of the equation.  It's a very different feel, and the woodland holes are certainly less interesting, and less scenic, then the water holes.  Not too many doglegs on the back, which is straightforward and, after the nice front, somewhat boring.  Most all of the greens are lightly guarded and can be run onto, and as a whole are rather large. 

With water all down the left side, the par-5 10th is one of the nicest holes on the course. (photo by indianislandcountryclub.com.)

Signature Hole: No. 5, 167-yard Par 3.  This nice one-shoter overlooks the Peconic River, with the Saw Mill Brook to the front and left of a very large undulating green.  There are some bunkers right to contend with, but this a real good-looking hole -- and a tough one when the wind is blowing.

Reader Comments: Beautiful, scenic course ... What a deal ... I liked the front a lot better ... A wonderful facility, it always makes for a great golf outing ... Fun for all skill levels ... Can be quite treacherous, very challenging and most unforgiving when the wind blows.

Directions: Distance from Manhattan approximately 79 miles
LIE (east) to exit 73 (the end), this turns into Rte. 58 (east), follow for approximately 8 miles to Rte. 105 and go right (south) for approximately 1 mile, the course is on your left.

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