Spring Lake Golf Club

Spring Lake Golf Club's Thunderbird course is a Charles Martin design located in Middle Island, on Long Island's north shore in Suffolk County. The course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of the region's glacial moraine landscape, where elevation changes and natural contours provide variety across the routing. Martin, who worked primarily in the northeastern United States during the mid-to-late twentieth century, designed the layout to incorporate the property's wooded areas and natural drainage patterns. The course plays through a mix of open and tree-lined holes, with mature hardwoods and pines framing many fairways. Bunkering follows the strategic principles common to Martin's work, positioned to challenge approach angles rather than simply penalize wayward shots. The greens feature moderate undulation, and several holes require careful club selection on approaches where the putting surfaces are elevated or protected by fronting hazards. Spring Lake Golf Club operates as a public facility, making the Thunderbird course accessible to daily-fee players throughout the season. The property includes practice areas and a clubhouse that serves the regular play the course receives from both local golfers and visitors exploring Long Island's public golf options. The course represents a solid example of mid-century regional design, offering a straightforward test that rewards accuracy and course management over pure length.