WAM Golf

5 Must Play Golf Courses on Long Island

It's finally golf season here in New York and now is the time to start your list of must-play golf courses in the area. Our first feature focuses on playing golf on Long Island and when it comes to Long Island golf, there is only one person to turn to: Anthony Scorcia. The host of the Scorcia On Par radio show, Anthony was kind enough to take time out of his schedule and share the must play golf courses on Long Island.

 

The most popular golf sign in NY.

 

5 Must Play Golf Courses on Long Island

1. Bethpage State Park (Black) and Bethpage State Park (Red), Farmingdale, NY

I'm putting the Black and Red together because if you're making the trip to Bethpage State Park you are not going to go wrong playing either course. If you're going for the historical experience and the pain, then the Black is your choice. You have seen the best players in the world play it and now here's your chance. You might not be able to play like a professional, but rarely does the public golfer get the same experience. The Red on the other hand is every bit worth your time. Another Tillinghast "big ballpark" design that will test you right from the word "go." It's a great layout and it's always in good shape. The Black's little sister may not get the same fame, but it should never be overlooked.

2. Tallgrass GC (Shoreham, NY)

Tallgrass GC in Shoreham is a fun Gil Hanse designed golf course. The avid golfer should recognize the name--Hanse was awarded the 2016 Olympic design in Rio and is also responsible for putting up with Donald Trump in the restoration of the Doral. Tallgrass is a unique experience in that it has all the look and feel of a links course, it just doesn't always play like one. Unfortunately, given the weather in the North East, it's difficult to replicate the hard and fast conditions of a true links track. Nevertheless, when the wind blows, you will need every shot in the bag to contend with this layout.

3. Montauk Downs State Park  (Montauk, NY)

When the U.S. Open came to Bethpage in 2002, part of the conditions of agreement were that "the Downs" as locals call it, would get some (financial) love. Reese Jones came, saw, and added his two cents. Without question, Montauk Downs is a top track on Long Island. I would even argue that if were feasible, it could be in consideration for a Public Links Championship. Of course that's a moot point now that the USGA is discontinuing the championship. Still, no avid golfer who vacations at "the end" of Long Island misses a chance to play Montauk Downs.

4. Long Island National (Riverhead, NY)

Given that the Hamptons are another favorite vacation spot for Long Islanders and visitors alike, Long Island National is worth checking out. National was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and from the tips, plays at almost 6900 yards with a course rating of 73.3/131. National is always in good shape and they are consistent with running specials.

5. Willow Creek GC (Mt. Sinai, NY)

Willow Creek GC is a golf course that doesn't get enough attention in my opinion. At 6,600 yards with a rating of 72.9/134, Willow Creek is a little bit of a resort style golf course that is always in good shape. Not only is it a fun track, but it always gives me the feeling that I'm in Florida when I am playing. There are palm trees with lots of sand and water. Another reason to play Willow Creek is that the staff "gets it." The friendly customer service definitely makes the golfing experience all the more enjoyable.

The Scorcia On Par Radio Show resumes April 13th! Visit his website for more information on Long Island Golf. Connect with Anthony via Social Media:

@Scorciaonpar

Facebook

Google+

Funny Golf Pictures: When Driving a Golf Cart Goes Wrong

The highlight of my golf season is often our annual golf trip. We just completed our 8th year and I have begun planning the 9th and 10th. There are certain variables on golf trips you can't account for... this was one of them. On a bright note, we're blessed with a funny golf picture where no one was hurt and no property damage was done.

What were golf trips like before we all had camera phones? I was a group ahead of this so I didn't see it live. To answer your questions:

• The only editing was to add "www.wamgolf.com" and blur the face.
• Yes, this happened.
• No one was hurt.
• There was not damage to the cart or property (shockingly).

I don't understand physics but to this day I have no idea how they pulled this off. Needless to say they did not drive golf carts (or cars) for the rest of the trip. They did, however, provide us with one of the most dangerous funniest moments in our golf trip history. Thank you guys!

Disclaimer: Don't try this. Seriously.

MGA Play Days Review

I joined the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) a couple of years ago when I relocated to New York so I could receive an official USGA Handicap without having to join a specific club. I like to wander around and play golf so I can share my experiences and have not found a club I really want to join (or one that would have me).

11th Tee Box at Salem GC in North Salem, NY

The MGA has been great. I can enter my scores online or through my smartphone. They send out their newsletter with revisions every month (or 2x's a month) and I can stay current on local golf news. They have tournaments throughout the golf season but I don't qualify them because of age, location, or in most cases, lack of talent. Fortunately the MGA offers play days so I can play in a real tournament regardless of handicap. 

What Are MGA Play Days?

MGA Play Days provide MGA members the opportunity to play some of the best courses in the area (public and private) in a tournament format. They are one day events open to men and women and offer gross and net winners. The cost is $75 and include golf, cart, breakfast, lunch, driving range and some prize for the winner. A great deal considering most of the golf courses would cost over $75 for the round alone.

My Play Day Experience

I didn't play in a single MGA Play Day in 2011 and almost went through 2012 without playing in one. There were a few reasons... First, I didn't know any MGA Members to sign up with. Second, I couldn't take the time away from the office. Third, I was a little nervous to play in a "real" tournament. I had not played competitive (and I'll use that word loosely) since 2005 when @999Places and I traveled to Hartford, CT for a local amateur tour.

Why did I finally sign up and make the last Play Day of 2012? Simple, I wanted to play Salem Golf Club and didn't have a connection to get on. I heard great things (I wasn't disappointed and will write a review) about Salem GC and saw an opportunity to play for $75. I couldn't pass it up and I'm glad I didn't.

The event itself was first class. I could go on for a while with this but here are the details:

1. Registration: Registered online and received confirmation e-mail. Received email updates with rules, directions and other information. I felt prepared when I arrived.
2. Check-In: Went smoothly. Dropped off my bag, gave my name, was handed a scorecard and told where the driving range and coffee could be found.
3. The Round: Shotgun start, play your own ball, stableford scoring, keep someone elses scorecard. A little slow because of leaves on the ground (that's how Fall golf goes) but overall, it was great.
4. Lunch: I'm sure it varies from place to place but Salem GC had burgers, hotdogs, wraps, cookies and a full bar (not sure if drinks were included, I had coffee and went back to the office).
5. Scoring: Dropped off my scorecard to the official who handled to conversion of net/gross and point system. By the time I had finished lunch almost all 80+ golfers had scores posted.

I was paired with a great group who helped look for errant tee shots and provided yardages when needed. They wanted to win but like myself, were there to enjoy the club and some competitive golf. It was great to have others to ask rules questions and having someone who played the course before was helpful for navigation purposes.

Overall

If you're an MGA Member I highly recommend registering for a Play Day in the future. It's a great opportunity to play new golf courses (even some private ones) for a reasonable price. It was great to meet new golfers in the area and play a new course. If you're looking to break into competitive golf, this is a great first step. The stableford scoring makes it competitive for everyone regardless of handicap.

If you're not an MGA member, it's worth the $35 just to have access to these events. I look forward to playing in more next year and hope the MGA keeps adding great local courses.

Who: Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA)

What: MGA Play Days

Where: MGA Member Clubs in the Tri-State Area

When: During Golf Season

Why: Play private clubs, competitive golf, have fun.

Website: MGA Website

 

The Exploding Golf Ball Joke

On our annual golf trip I'm always the guy who is in charge. The serious one who makes sure everyone is on time, no one gets hurt and the house or hotel we stay in is left in one piece. This is probably the reason no one suspected I would play a joke on the first tee just steps away from the clubhouse and starters. Did it work? See the results below: 

 

(Sorry for the footage, it was taken with an iPhone)

 How Did I Get Them To Do It

This took a little creativity. The first guy, Mac from 999 Places Blog, had just traveled 30 hours from Singapore to make our annual golf trip. I'm sure the sleep deprivation had something to do with it but as we rode over to the first tee I gave him a heartfelt talk on how much it meant to us that he made the trip and this is what our golf trips are all about. I then asked him to hit a ceremonial ball to open up the golf trip. I told him it didn't count and it was just like opening ceremonies at the olympics, just let it fly. He may never believe another word I say to him. 

Pulling this off a second time was a little trickier. This time we had to wait for my uncle to put his tee in the ground with the ball on it. Once he did that, Mac (the very same guy who we pulled the first prank on) distracted him by asking him for an interview on camera. While giving his interview I went behind him and swapped out his Pinnacle Gold for my exploding golf ball... you see the result.

It's a great practical joke to play on any golfer and it got a good laugh both times. It doesn't do any damage to the golf course or the club, just a little dust that can be wiped off. Each ball costs about $3.50 but it's likely I'll buy them in bulk going forward, I enjoyed this way too much.  

 

WAM Golf's Top Ten of 2010 (5-1)

We are just two days from 2011 and what better way to close out 2010 than a countdown?  Here are my top five topics from 2010. 

(18th hole at Aronimink Golf Club.  Home of the 2010 & 2011 PGA TOUR AT&T Championship)

WAM Golf's Top 10 of 2010: 10-6

#5.  Jim Furyk Named PGA TOUR Player of the Year.  I think this is a great story.  This is the first time Furyk has received this honor and it's well deserved.  In 2010 Furyk won three tournaments including the TOUR Championship in route to winning the FedEx Cup.  He finished second in earnings and PGATOUR.com has him as their 4th player to watch in 2011 on their top 100 list.  

#4.  A Year of Fun Golf Gifts & Reviews.  One of my favorite things about being a golf writer is reviewing products and writing about them.  I could write all day about this but here are some of my favorites from 2010: Golf Lesson with FixYourGame.com, The Birdie Belt, Gridiron Grip, Personalized Golf Balls, Golf Tees & an awesome scorecard holder.   Thanks to everyone who made those, and other great reviews possible!

#3.  Golf Trips to Maryland & Delaware.  I love golf trips and golf destinations.  Going away with good friends, family, and playing several new courses in a short period of time is what golf is all about.  I was fortunate enough to go on a few trips this year including a trip to Glenn Riddle in Maryland and my annual trip, this was the Delaware Shore.  Between the two trips I played 5.5 new courses and the best part is, I got to share it with you.

#2.  Playing Aronimink Golf Club, Home of the PGA TOUR's AT&T Championship.  This was my first Top 100 Golf Course.  It's ranked #76 in the United States and hosted a PGA TOUR event in 2010 (it will in 2011 too).  This is a beautiful club in great condition and every bit as challenging as it looks.  The layout, clubhouse, and conditions make this a true gem.  Do not pass up an opportunity to play here.  Thanks to the guys who got me out here!

(The 4th hole at the world famous Pine Valley Golf Club in Pine Valley, New Jersey)

#1.  Playing Pine Valley Golf Club, the #2 Ranked Golf Course in the World.  How could this not be the highlight of my year?  A chance to play what some consider the greatest golf course in the world?!  It was an experience I'll never forget and I can't say enough about how great Pine Valley is.  The layout, course conditions, prestige, history, beauty, and challenge allow this course to live up to the hype.  It is as amazing as everyone says it is, a truly remarkable golfing experience.  Thanks to the member who invited me (can't say thanks enough). 

Have a favorite story from 2010?  Leave a comment!

Happy New Year!