18-HOLE COURSE

A look from behind the par-3 2nd. (photo courtesy montaukdowns.org)

Ranked No. 7 in our Top 30

Pro: Kevin Smith, PGA

General Information: 631-668-5000
Pro Shop: 631-668-1100  
Reservations: 631-668-1234
Reserved tee times are available for a fee of $5 extra per person.  Call up to seven days in advance for NY State residents who are registered with their New York State Driver’s License
Run by: New York State Parks and Recreation Department
Open: Year-round, weather permitting Closed Christmas Day
Restrictions: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Soft spikes only
Available for Outings: Yes
USGA Computer ‘handicap’ system available: Yes; Cost: $40  
Credit Cards accepted: Yes, MC, Visa
Club Rentals: $35 for 18 holes
Discounts: NY State resident seniors, weekdays only; also for twilight play and 9 holes (back nine only)
Carts: Pull $5; Power $20 per person for 18 holes

Amenities:
Pro Shop: Yes, full service    
Lessons: Yes; Clinics: Yes
Driving Range: Yes, 12 stalls
Practice Putting Greens: Yes
Practice Chipping Area: No
Clubhouse: Yes
Bar / Lounge: Yes      
Lockers / Showers: For men and women
Restaurant: Yes       
Snack Bar: On course, at 7th & 14th holes

Website: http://www.montaukdowns.org

GOLF COURSE

Built: 1927
Architect: Capt. H.C.C. Tippet
Redesigned: 1968 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Renovated and touched up: 2003-present by Rees Jones

Description: Rumors have it that C.B. Macdonald helped out with the original design here, but with no documentation, it's hard to say either way.  If he did design any holes, they no longer exist, as what's there today carries the stamp of a good Robert Trent Jones original.  With very good reason, a lot of locals like to call it "The Public Golfer's Shinnecock," and, design-wise, that's a fair assessment. 

The holes, like at Shinnecock, are not flamboyant or wild; just simple, straightforward golf holes that offer what the land has put in front of you.  The natural grasses that surround Montauk Downs -- which have been revitalized in recent years with the ongoing (terrific) renovations -- immediately draw to mind many of the courses just west of Montauk that have reveled in fame for about a century.  Although not quite of the championship caliber of any of those tracks -- in reality, almost no courses in the world can equal them -- Montauk Downs has a fantastic setting and a absolutely wonderful mix of golf holes.

Built on rolling, open terrain, the difficulty of most tee shots does not come with fairway bunkers, of which there are only a few.  The goal of most tee shots (as is always the case) is getting yourself in the proper position for an approach, as well as avoiding the mature rough, which has a tendency to swallow golf balls whole.  Most of the greens are elevated, well-bunkered, quite undulating and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  There are also a handful of inland water hazards, which make for some very interesting hole designs and nerve-wracking approaches.  And with a minimal amount of trees (though way more than anything of those historic grounds west) the wind can really blow off the Atlantic or Block Island Sound, making the yardage of 6,976 yards misleadingly short.  Like No. 11 at Shinnecock, a lot of locals call the 161-yard 2nd the shortest par-5 in golf: Playing uphill, and with the wind is in your face, you'd be lucky to get a driver there.

The newly-renovated green at No. 12. (photo courtesy montaukdowns.org)

Signature Hole: No. 12, 228-yard Par 3. The newly-renovated green complex of this long par-3 only make it a better-looking, and tougher, hole.  With an elevated green and two large, fronting bunkers that carry the Jones signature "fingering," just hope that the wind is at your back when you get to the tee.  Of course, the green isn't too deep, so then you have to worry about going over and down the hill.  A real beast of a par-3. 

Reader Comments: The best public course in Suffolk County, or anywhere for that matter ... My favorite course of all time ... The wind can really be too much ... The rough doesn't look that tough, but it's so dense that it just eats balls alive ... The renovations are making this place into one of the best facilities anywhere in the state.

Directions: Distance from Manhattan approximately 120 miles.
LIE (east) to exit 70, go right (south) to Rte 27 (east).  Follow signs into the village of Montauk.  Make left on West Lake Dr. to Fairview Ave. turn left to club.

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