The Creek Course
The Creek, a secluded sanctuary in Locust Valley, embodies the understated elegance of Long Island's Gold Coast. Hewn from rolling, wooded terrain, this early 20th-century design presents a strategic test, rewarding thoughtful play over brute force. While not a championship venue, The Creek offers a classic, pre-war golfing experience; many holes dogleg sharply, demanding strategic positioning off the tee. Its subtle contours and mature trees place a premium on shot-making precision and creative recovery. Designed by Devereux Emmet, and later refined by Albert Tillinghast, The Creek's routing showcases their masterful ability to blend the course seamlessly into the existing landscape. Known for its well-guarded, undulating greens, players are challenged to master a variety of approach shots. Beyond the golf, The Creek's appeal lies in its tight-knit community. A haven for those seeking respite from the city, it remains a bastion of classic golf, where the focus is on the game itself and the camaraderie it fosters. Locals speak fondly of the club's laid-back atmosphere and the simple pleasures of a well-played round followed by convivial conversation.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
All courses
Best in USA
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Best in NY
All courses
The journey to The Creek begins at one of the New York metropolitan area's three major gateways - JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty - though many members arriving by air favor Westchester County Airport for its proximity and discretion. From Manhattan, the drive north and east traces the Long Island Expressway before peeling off into the quieter, tree-canopied lanes of Nassau County's Gold Coast, a passage that takes roughly an hour under favorable conditions. The final approach winds through Locust Valley's estate country, where stone walls and gated drives hint at the enclave's enduring old-world reserve, before arriving at The Creek's understated entrance - a fitting threshold to one of American golf's most intensely private sanctuaries.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Creek has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 169 logged golfers.
The Creek was designed by Charles Macdonald and Seth Raynor.
The Creek is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at The Creek is 70.
The Creek plays 6,583 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Creek is 142.
The Creek Course
The Creek, a secluded sanctuary in Locust Valley, embodies the understated elegance of Long Island's Gold Coast. Hewn from rolling, wooded terrain, this early 20th-century design presents a strategic test, rewarding thoughtful play over brute force. While not a championship venue, The Creek offers a classic, pre-war golfing experience; many holes dogleg sharply, demanding strategic positioning off the tee. Its subtle contours and mature trees place a premium on shot-making precision and creative recovery. Designed by Devereux Emmet, and later refined by Albert Tillinghast, The Creek's routing showcases their masterful ability to blend the course seamlessly into the existing landscape. Known for its well-guarded, undulating greens, players are challenged to master a variety of approach shots. Beyond the golf, The Creek's appeal lies in its tight-knit community. A haven for those seeking respite from the city, it remains a bastion of classic golf, where the focus is on the game itself and the camaraderie it fosters. Locals speak fondly of the club's laid-back atmosphere and the simple pleasures of a well-played round followed by convivial conversation.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
All courses
Best in USA
All courses
Best in NY
All courses
Golfers say this course delivers an unforgettable experience, with most praising the dramatic routing that transitions from inland holes to spectacular waterfront views. Reviewers consistently highlight the sixth hole as one of golf's best vistas and note that the recent restoration has elevated the entire layout, particularly the lower holes near the bay. While a few mention the opening stretch as warm-up holes, many defend them as underrated and emphasize that the course comes fully alive by the fifth. Most also rave about the exceptional hospitality, top-tier clubhouse amenities, and friendly staff, with several expressing disbelief that the course isn't ranked higher nationally.
9.1
169 players
Unquestionably a very special place. First few holes quietly climb to the apex of the property where the rest of the course sprawls out beneath. Not a championship course but the scenery is spectacular and the template holes are awesome.
One of the most photographed courses by theLinksGems type insta follows for a reason! #6 one of the very best views in golf, top of the list for locker rooms, staff friendliness, 3-way house as well. Top 100 and perennially underrated somehow.
I'm perhaps biased, but this is my favorite course in America. NGLA is probably the best I've ever played, but the Creek is my favorite. Without a doubt the best restoration I've ever seen. Gil made the lower holes come alive in a way that is so magical, and the walk down the 6th fairway/the grand reveal is as thrilling as it gets. Anyone who says the 1-5 are terrible golf holes doesn't know ball either. This not being in the GD Top 100 in 2025 is legitimately hilarious.
Public courses closest to The Creek.
The journey to The Creek begins at one of the New York metropolitan area's three major gateways - JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty - though many members arriving by air favor Westchester County Airport for its proximity and discretion. From Manhattan, the drive north and east traces the Long Island Expressway before peeling off into the quieter, tree-canopied lanes of Nassau County's Gold Coast, a passage that takes roughly an hour under favorable conditions. The final approach winds through Locust Valley's estate country, where stone walls and gated drives hint at the enclave's enduring old-world reserve, before arriving at The Creek's understated entrance - a fitting threshold to one of American golf's most intensely private sanctuaries.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Creek has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 169 logged golfers.
The Creek was designed by Charles Macdonald and Seth Raynor.
The Creek is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at The Creek is 70.
The Creek plays 6,583 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Creek is 142.
