The par-5, 13th, the green in the background over the water. (photo courtesy of montaukdowns.org)
Description: 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 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.
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.
Description: Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones as a private golf facility, Hominy Hill was acquired by Monmouth County in 1977, but hasn't changed the class level.
(photo courtesy monmouthcountypark.com)
The course itself is fairly open, with some mid-length par-4s that make the mature rough a very undesirable place to be. The trees aren't sparse, but are far enough off the fairway that they don't always come into play (but add to the wonderful, parkland scenery). Accuracy is a must if you plan to score well.
The greens are fairly large, but are alsmot all elevated, with undulating putting surfaces. More than 120 bunkers defned both errant tee shots as well as wayward approaches, making for a challenging and enjoyable round of public golf that certainly feels private.
Reader Comments: A classic design that has stood the test of time ... The best public course I've ever played ... A straightforard, honest test of golf ... Very difficult and challenging par-3s ... A terrifici layout that tests all your skills ... Not too conducive to beginners.
