You’ve probably driven past the stone gates on Long Island’s North Shore a hundred times without realizing what’s actually behind them. Most people think Village Club at Lake Success is just another stuffy, exclusionary country club where you need a certain pedigree or a massive bank account to belong. Honestly? That’s not really the case anymore. While it definitely has that Great Gatsby aesthetic—which makes sense given its history—the vibe today is surprisingly grounded.
It’s a weirdly beautiful mix of high-end luxury and "I just want to grab a burger after nine holes."
If you're looking for the typical cookie-cutter golf course experience, you're going to be surprised. This place sits on the former estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. Yeah, that Whitney. It carries a heavy sense of history, but it doesn't feel like a museum. It feels alive. Whether you're a golfer, a bride-to-be, or just someone looking for a decent place to spend a Saturday, there is a lot to unpack here that most people get wrong.
The Golf Course: It’s Harder Than It Looks
Let's talk about the golf. The course at the Village Club at Lake Success is a par-70, but don't let that number fool you into thinking it's a walk in the park. It isn't. It was designed by Tom Bendelow, the same guy who did Medinah and Olympia Fields. It’s got these rolling hills that will absolutely destroy your calves if you try to walk it, and the greens? They are fast. Like, "miss your putt and it's off the fringe" fast.
The layout is 6,243 yards. Some big hitters might scoff at that length. They usually stop scoffing after the first three holes. Because the terrain is so undulating, you rarely get a flat lie. You’re always hitting uphill or side-hill. It forces you to actually think about your shot instead of just grip-it-and-rip-it.
Kinda refreshing, right?
One of the coolest things about the course is how well it's maintained. The grounds crew treats the turf like fine silk. Even in the middle of a New York August when everything else is turning brown, this place stays remarkably green. But here is the kicker: it’s a village-owned club. That means if you live in the Village of Lake Success, you get priority. If you don't, you can still get in as a non-resident member, but it's a bit of a different process.
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The Clubhouse and the Vanderbilt Legacy
The building itself is basically the heart of the property. It’s the old Whitney mansion. You can still see the 1920s architectural DNA in the woodwork and the way the rooms flow into one another. It’s grand. It’s impressive. But it’s also been renovated enough that it doesn't feel drafty or old-fashioned in a bad way.
Inside, you've got the Grill Room, which is where the real action happens. This isn't fine dining in the sense of tiny portions and white gloves. It’s high-quality food, but the atmosphere is loud and friendly. People actually know each other’s names.
- The Terrace: If the weather is even remotely nice, you have to sit outside. You get a panoramic view of the lake and the 18th green.
- The Locker Rooms: They actually feel like a lounge, not a gym.
- The Staff: They’ve been there forever. Some of the servers have seen members' kids grow up, go to college, and come back to get married at the club.
Speaking of marriage, the Village Club at Lake Success is a massive wedding destination. Philip Stone Caterers runs the show there, and they are pretty much the gold standard for Long Island events. They don't do that "wedding factory" thing where three brides are crossing paths in the hallway. It’s one event at a time. The ballroom has these massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the water. It’s a vibe.
It’s Not Just Golf: Tennis, Pools, and the Social Scene
A lot of people think if they don't play golf, a club like this is useless. Wrong. The tennis program is actually one of the most active in Nassau County. They have Har-Tru courts, which are way easier on your knees than hard courts.
And then there's the pool.
In the summer, the pool area at the Village Club at Lake Success is basically a resort. It’s got a separate kiddie pool, which is a lifesaver for parents, and the snack bar isn't just soggy fries. It's actually good. You’ll see families spending the entire day there, from 10 AM until the sun goes down.
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- The Social Calendar: They do themed dinners, holiday parties, and live music nights.
- Junior Programs: They are huge on getting kids involved in golf and tennis early.
- Community: It really serves as the "town square" for Lake Success residents.
What's interesting is the demographic shift. For a long time, these clubs were aging out. But lately, there’s been a massive influx of younger families moving from Queens or Manhattan out to the North Shore. They want the amenities without the stuffiness of the "Old Money" clubs further east in Oyster Bay or Locust Valley. This club hits that sweet spot.
Navigating the Membership Maze
Membership is usually the part where people get confused. Since it’s a municipal club (owned by the village), the rules are specific. If you live in the village, you’re basically in—though you still pay dues, obviously.
Non-residents have to apply for "Associate Memberships." There’s usually a waitlist, especially since 2020 when everyone and their brother decided they needed to take up golf. If you’re thinking about joining, don't just look at the price tag. Look at the "minimums"—the amount you’re required to spend on food and drink every month. That’s where people sometimes get caught off guard.
Is it worth it?
If you use it, yes. If you’re only going to play three rounds a year and never eat dinner there, you’re throwing money away. But if you want a place where you can drop the kids off at the pool, play nine holes, and then have a decent steak without leaving your neighborhood, it’s hard to beat.
The Lake Success Difference
What really sets the Village Club at Lake Success apart is the lake itself. Most Long Island "lake" clubs are really just "pond" clubs. Lake Success is a legitimate, spring-fed kettle lake. It’s deep, it’s clear, and it creates a micro-climate that keeps the course a few degrees cooler in the summer.
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It also adds a level of difficulty to the back nine that is purely psychological. Looking over that water while you’re trying to stick a green is nerve-wracking.
There’s also the history of the United Nations. From 1946 to 1951, the UN was actually headquartered right here in Lake Success (at the Sperry Gyroscope plant nearby). Diplomats and world leaders used to frequent the club. There’s a sense that important things happened here. You feel it when you’re walking through the halls.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you’re heading there for an event or considering a membership, keep a few things in mind. First, the dress code is real. Don't show up in cargo shorts or a gym shirt and expect to get past the front desk. It’s "Country Club Casual," which basically means a collared shirt and decent slacks.
Secondly, the parking can be a nightmare during big weddings, so arrive early.
If you're playing golf, spend at least 20 minutes on the practice green. Seriously. The speed of the greens at the Village Club at Lake Success is unlike most public courses. If you don't calibrate your putter before you tee off, you’re going to have a very long, very frustrating four hours.
Actionable Steps for Interested Parties
If this sounds like your kind of place, here is how you actually move forward:
- For Weddings: Contact Philip Stone Caterers directly. Don't wait. They book out 18-24 months in advance for prime Saturday nights. Ask to see the "Library Room" for your cocktail hour; it’s the most atmospheric room in the building.
- For Golfers: If you aren't a member, look for charity outings. Many local nonprofits host events here, which is the easiest way to get on the course without a membership.
- For Residents: Go to the Village Hall and get your park pass and club ID immediately. Even if you don't golf, the dining access is worth the paperwork.
- For Prospective Members: Call the membership director and ask for a tour on a Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll get a much better feel for the "real" club when it’s not swamped with a weekend crowd.
Ultimately, the Village Club at Lake Success represents a specific slice of New York life. It’s a bridge between the hyper-exclusive past of the North Shore and the more inclusive, family-oriented present. It’s a place that respects where it came from but isn't stuck there. Whether you're there to sink a birdie or just to watch the sunset over the water with a drink in your hand, it’s a pretty special spot to be.