Laurel at Laurel Links Country Club

Laurel Links Country Club exists on hallowed ground, its fairways whispering tales of potato farms that once fed New York City, now feeding the golfing souls of Long Island's North Fork. This modern marvel, carved into the sandy loam of the region, presents a links-style experience – though tempered by strategic tree plantings – demanding a ground game as thoughtful as the aerial assault. Long and relatively wide fairways invite the occasional miscue, but well-placed bunkers and subtly undulating greens ensure no advantage is easily earned, and perhaps favors those who can control the ball's trajectory in the ever present coastal winds.

Designed by the celebrated Rees Jones, Laurel Links embraces its agricultural heritage. Jones masterfully incorporated the land’s rolling topography and natural drainage patterns, minimizing disruption while maximizing the course's inherent drama. The back tees can present a stern test, but even from shorter distances, the course’s challenge lies in approaching the greens which require imagination and deft touch with a wedge.

While not a regular stop for professional tours, Laurel Links has established itself as a respected venue for regional and amateur competitions. More than the competition, the club is known locally for the strong camaraderie between its members, drawn from both the surrounding community and the broader New York metropolitan area. Members often remark that after a round, their preferred 19th hole activity is an open discussion regarding the subtle nuances of the vineyards that now dot the landscape around the course.