Tall Grass at Tall Grass Golf Club

Tall Grass Golf Club occupies a distinctive property on Long Island's North Shore in Shoreham, New York. Designed by Gil Hanse and opened in 2001, the course represents an early example of the minimalist design philosophy that would later define much of Hanse's acclaimed work. The routing takes advantage of the site's natural rolling terrain and sandy soils, characteristics that allow for firm, fast playing conditions more typical of links golf than the parkland settings common to much of Long Island.

The layout features wide fairways and large, undulating greens that reward strategic positioning and creative shot-making. Hanse's design emphasizes ground game options and natural contours rather than manufactured hazards, with bunkers placed to influence decision-making rather than simply penalize errant shots. The property's vegetation includes native grasses and scrub that frame holes without creating a manicured appearance, reinforcing the course's naturalistic aesthetic.

Tall Grass operates as a private club and has developed a reputation for its unpretentious atmosphere and focus on the golf experience itself. The course's conditioning typically favors firm and fast conditions that allow the ground game to play a significant role, a characteristic that distinguishes it from many other courses in the region. The design's emphasis on strategy over length and its integration with the natural landscape reflect principles that have become increasingly influential in modern golf course architecture.