You’re driving down Great River Road, the wind is kicking up off the Great South Bay, and suddenly the trees part to reveal one of the most storied pieces of land in American golf. Honestly, timber point golf ny feels more like a private club from the 1920s than a Suffolk County municipal course. It’s got that old-money vibe without the gatekeeper.
People always ask if it’s worth the drive from the city or Nassau. Yes. It’s basically 27 holes of history.
Long before it was a public park, this place was the "Timber Point Club," an ultra-exclusive playground for the Roaring Twenties elite. It was designed by Alison & Colt—specifically Hugh Alison—who was a bit of a genius at using natural terrain to make you feel like a pro and a total amateur at the exact same time. It opened in 1925. By 1929, it was ranked among the best in the country. Then the Great Depression hit, the club struggled, and eventually, the county took over. Now, you can play it for a fraction of what those Great Gatsby types paid back in the day.
The Three Courses: Which 18 Should You Actually Play?
Timber Point isn't just one 18-hole loop. It’s three distinct nines: The Red, The White, and The Blue. Most people have a favorite, but if you’re looking for the true "Timber Point" experience, you have to understand how they differ.
The Blue Course is the crown jewel. If you can only play nine, make it this one. It’s the closest to the water and holds the famous "Gibraltar" hole. The White Course is often considered the most balanced, playing through more wooded areas before opening up. Then there’s the Red Course. It’s shorter. It’s a bit more forgiving. If you’re a high handicapper or just want a casual afternoon with a few beers, Red is your best friend.
Mastering the Blue Nine
This is where the wind becomes your biggest enemy and your best friend. Because it sits right on the bay, the breeze isn't just a suggestion; it’s a physical force. On a calm day, you might think you’ve mastered golf. On a windy Tuesday in October? Good luck.
✨ Don't miss: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
The 6th hole on the Blue is the legendary "Gibraltar." It’s a par 3 that sits right on the water. Depending on the wind, you might hit a 9-iron one day and a 3-wood the next. It’s modeled after the original hole at Moortown in England. If you miss left, you’re in the bunkers. If you miss right, you’re basically in the Atlantic. It’s intimidating. It’s beautiful. It’s the reason people keep coming back to timber point golf ny.
Why the Design Still Holds Up After 100 Years
Hugh Alison didn't just move dirt; he used the natural contours of the South Shore. You’ll notice the bunkers are massive. They aren’t those tiny little pots you see at modern resort courses. These are "Scale-of-the-Landscape" hazards.
- The greens are often elevated.
- The fairways follow the natural "rolls" of the Long Island shelf.
- Coastal grasses swallow up errand balls.
- Sightlines are wide but deceptive.
There’s a nuance here that modern architects often try to replicate but rarely nail. It’s about the "lay of the land." At Timber Point, you aren't fighting the architecture; you’re fighting the elements. That’s what makes it authentic.
Dealing with the "Muni" Factor
Let’s be real for a second. This is a county-run course. That means the pace of play can sometimes be, well, glacial. On a beautiful Saturday in July, you might be looking at a five-hour round. It’s just the reality of New York golf.
But here’s the thing: the conditions have improved massively over the last few years. The grounds crew works incredibly hard to keep the greens rolling true despite the heavy foot traffic. You’ll see some wear and tear in the high-traffic areas, but the overall layout is so strong it barely matters. Plus, the clubhouse is an actual mansion. It’s the original 1920s estate house, and sitting on that porch with a cold drink after a round is one of the best feelings in Long Island sports.
🔗 Read more: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
Strategic Tips for Your Next Round
Don't just show up and start swinging. If you want to post a decent score, you need a plan.
- Check the tide and wind. No, seriously. If the wind is coming off the bay, everything plays longer. Much longer.
- Aim for the middle of the greens. The "Gibraltar" hole and several others have nasty drop-offs. Being a "hero" and hunting pins will lead to a double bogey faster than you can say "Fore."
- Bring extra balls for the Blue. The marshlands don't give back what they take.
- Use the Suffolk County Resident Card. If you live in the county, the rate is an absolute steal. Even for non-residents, it’s cheaper than most "premium" public courses in the area.
The Local Culture and the Clubhouse
Timber Point isn't just about the golf; it’s a social hub. The "Mansion" as locals call it, hosts everything from weddings to high school proms, but for golfers, it’s the 19th hole that matters. The bar has a view that rivals any private club in the Hamptons.
You’ll see a mix of people there. You’ve got the old-timers who have played the course every Wednesday for forty years. You’ve got the young guys from the city who drove out for the day. You’ve got local pros trying to figure out why they just shanked a ball on the 8th. It’s a melting pot. It’s unpretentious. It’s exactly what golf should be.
Hidden History: The Lost Holes
One thing most casual players don't realize is that the current 27-hole layout isn't exactly how it started. The original 18-hole course was actually much more expansive. Over time, as the property transitioned to a park and added more holes to accommodate more players, some of the original Alison-Colt brilliance was shifted around.
Some historians argue that the "original" Timber Point was a Top 10 course in the world. While we don’t have that exact layout anymore, pieces of it are scattered across the Blue and White nines. When you’re walking those fairways, you’re literally walking over the ghosts of one of the greatest golf designs ever conceived.
💡 You might also like: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
Why It Beats Bethpage (Sometimes)
Look, everyone loves Bethpage Black. It’s a beast. It’s a bucket-list item. But Timber Point offers something different. It’s walkable. It’s scenic in a "coastal" way rather than a "forest" way. And you don’t have to sleep in your car to get a tee time. For a casual weekend round that still feels "special," Timber Point wins.
It’s also way more accessible for the average golfer. While the Black course will beat you up and take your lunch money, Timber Point invites you to have a good time. It’s challenging, sure, but it’s not punishing for the sake of being punishing.
Practical Information for Visiting Timber Point Golf NY
If you’re planning a trip, keep these logistics in mind. The course is located in Great River, tucked away inside Heckscher State Park.
- Booking: You can book through the Suffolk County online portal.
- Arrival: Get there early. The entrance to the park can sometimes have a line, especially during peak summer hours.
- Equipment: There is a full pro shop and a driving range nearby, though the range isn't right on the course property—it's a short drive away within the park.
- Walking vs. Riding: Most people ride, but it’s a great walk if you’re in decent shape. The terrain is relatively flat, though the distance between some greens and tees on the newer nines can be a bit of a hike.
The Verdict on Timber Point
Is it perfect? No. It’s a public course. You’ll find some slow play. You’ll find some unrepaired pitch marks. But the soul of the place is undeniable. Between the history of the Alison design, the incredible views of the Great South Bay, and the sheer fun of trying to navigate the wind, it remains a pillar of New York golf.
If you haven't played it lately, you're missing out. The county has put money back into the bunkers and the greens are in some of the best shape they've been in for a decade. It’s a reminder that great golf doesn't have to cost five hundred dollars or require a member sponsor. Sometimes, all you need is a county card and a decent putting stroke.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your Suffolk County Green Key: If you haven't renewed it, do it online before you show up to save a massive amount on greens fees.
- Download a GPS app: Because the course is so old, some of the yardage markers can be a bit... "approximate." An app like 18Birdies or TheGrint helps immensely with the blind shots on the White course.
- Aim for a "Twilight" round: Playing the Blue nine as the sun sets over the Great South Bay is arguably the best $30 experience in all of sports.
- Hydrate: That sea breeze is deceptive; it’ll dry you out faster than you realize.
- Check the weather station: Look for the "Islip/MacArthur Airport" wind reports before you leave the house; it’s the closest accurate reading for what you’ll face on the holes near the water.