You’ve probably driven past those gates on Montauk Highway a thousand times without realizing what’s actually sitting back there. It’s Southward Ho Country Club. Most people on Long Island just call it "Southward Ho," but if you're a golf nerd, the name carries a specific kind of weight. It’s not just another private club where people eat overpriced salads. It’s a relic. A living, breathing piece of Golden Age architecture that has survived basically intact while so many other courses from that era were bulldozed or "renovated" into oblivion.
Southward Ho is a throwback.
It was founded back in 1923, which puts it right in the sweet spot of the American golf boom. We’re talking about the era of Great Gatsby vibes, where the South Shore of Long Island was the place to be for the elite. But unlike some of the more "stuffy" clubs that feel like museums, this place has always felt a bit more grounded. It’s a haven in Bay Shore. You don't get the same flashy, neon-lit energy you find in the Hamptons. It’s quieter.
The Tillinghast Connection Everyone Misses
When people talk about A.W. Tillinghast, they usually start and end with Bethpage Black or Winged Foot. Those are the monsters. But Southward Ho Country Club is arguably one of Tilly’s most "pure" designs because it hasn't been stretched out to 7,500 yards to accommodate modern pro golfers who hit the ball into orbit.
Tillinghast had a very specific philosophy. He believed a course should be "fair but firm." At Southward Ho, you see this in the bunkering. It’s aggressive. These aren't just little sand traps; they are massive, jagged-edged hazards that look like they were ripped out of the earth. Honestly, if you can’t play out of the sand, you’re going to have a miserable afternoon here.
The greens are the real star of the show. They aren't flat. They’re wavy, tiered, and sometimes just downright mean. You’ll see these subtle internal contours that can turn a 10-foot birdie putt into a 40-foot par save if you catch the wrong side of a ridge. It’s architectural genius, really. Tillinghast wasn’t trying to trick you; he was trying to test your nerves.
It’s Not Just About the Golf
While the course is the main draw, the culture of Southward Ho is what keeps the membership together. It’s a family-centric spot. You see kids on the tennis courts and families around the pool. It’s got that classic "Old Long Island" feel—shingle-style architecture, white trim, and lots of history hanging on the walls.
🔗 Read more: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
The clubhouse itself is a landmark.
Originally, the property was part of the huge estates that dominated the South Shore. When you walk through the locker room or sit on the patio, you feel that 1920s DNA. It hasn't been modernized into some glass-and-steel monstrosity. They’ve kept the soul of the place. Members here tend to stay for decades. It’s the kind of place where the staff knows your drink order before you even sit down, which, let's be real, is half the reason people join private clubs anyway.
What People Get Wrong About the "Ho"
There’s a lot of debate about the name. "Southward Ho" sounds a bit archaic today, doesn't it? It actually refers to an old English maritime cry. Given Bay Shore’s history as a nautical hub and its proximity to the Great South Bay, the name fits perfectly. It’s a nod to the seafaring roots of the area. Some people think it’s just a random name, but it’s deeply tied to the geography.
Another misconception? That it’s "easy" because it’s relatively flat.
Big mistake.
Long Island is famous for its wind. Because Southward Ho is so close to the water, the wind off the Atlantic and the Great South Bay is a constant factor. A hole that plays like a short par 4 in the morning can turn into a brutal par 5 in the afternoon when the sea breeze kicks up. You have to play the ground game. If you try to fly the ball high into the wind here, the course will eat you alive.
💡 You might also like: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
Living the South Shore Lifestyle
If you’re looking at membership or just visiting as a guest, you have to understand the pace of life in Bay Shore. It’s slower. It’s about the water. Southward Ho fits into this ecosystem by being the social anchor for many of the local families.
The food isn't just "club food" either. They’ve made a serious effort in recent years to elevate the dining experience. We’re talking local seafood—clams, oysters, striped bass—sourced right from the surrounding waters. It’s authentic.
Why the Architecture Still Wins
In 2026, golf course architecture is obsessed with "restoration." Everyone wants to go back to the original blueprints. Southward Ho was lucky because they didn't have to change much. The layout today is remarkably similar to what Tillinghast envisioned a century ago.
- The "Great Hazard" on the 3rd hole: This is a classic Tillinghast feature. It's a massive waste area that forces you to make a decision. Go for it or lay up? Most people choose wrong.
- The Par 3s: Usually, courses have one weak par 3. Not here. Every short hole at Southward Ho requires a different club and a different strategy.
- The Finish: The closing holes are designed to break ties. They are tough, long, and require precise ball-striking.
The Reality of Joining
Let’s talk turkey. Southward Ho is a private club. It’s not open to the public, and getting in isn't as simple as writing a check. It’s a "who you know" situation. Most members are from the surrounding communities—Bay Shore, Islip, Brightwaters. It’s a tight-knit group.
But here is the thing.
Unlike the ultra-exclusive clubs in the Hamptons that might cost $250,000 just to walk through the door, Southward Ho is more attainable for the successful professional who actually wants to use the club. It’s a working club. People play here on Tuesdays after work. They don't just show up once a year in a private jet.
📖 Related: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
How to Actually Experience It
If you aren't a member and don't know one, your options are limited, but they exist.
- Charity Outings: Several local Long Island nonprofits host annual golf outings at the club. This is your best bet to get on the greens without a membership.
- Reciprocal Agreements: If you belong to another private club, your pro might be able to call over and set up a tee time. It’s the "pro-to-pro" handshake that still governs much of the golf world.
- Tennis and Social Events: Occasionally, the club hosts regional tennis tournaments or community events that allow for a peek behind the curtain.
The Future of the Club
As we move further into the 21st century, Southward Ho is facing the same challenges as every other historic club: climate change and aging infrastructure. Being so close to the water means drainage is a constant battle. The club has invested heavily in modern irrigation and turf management to ensure the course stays firm and fast, even during the humid New York summers.
They’ve also started to embrace a more modern "dress code" philosophy—sorta. You won't see people in cargo shorts, but the vibe is definitely less "stiff collar" than it was in the 1950s. They want the next generation to feel at home.
Final Practical Insights
If you ever get the chance to play Southward Ho, remember three things:
- Stay below the hole. The greens are faster than they look, and a downhill putt here is a recipe for a three-putt.
- Watch the wind. Look at the trees, not just the flag. The wind swirls because of the surrounding residential tree lines.
- Respect the history. This is a Tillinghast original. Take a second on the 18th tee to look back at the clubhouse. It’s a view that hasn't changed much in a hundred years.
To get the most out of a visit or a potential membership inquiry, start by exploring the local Bay Shore area first. Visit the local marinas, eat at the restaurants on Main Street, and get a feel for the South Shore culture. If that relaxed, water-focused, "old money but low key" vibe fits your personality, then Southward Ho is going to feel like home. For those serious about the history of the game, a trip to the USGA Museum or a deep dive into Tillinghast’s "The Course Beautiful" will provide the necessary context to truly appreciate why the bunkers at Southward Ho are shaped the way they are.
Focus on the ground game. Play the ball low. Respect the bunkers. That's the Southward Ho way.