Sunken Meadow Golf: 27 Holes & Alfred Tull's Design!
Ever dreamt of teeing off amidst the rolling hills and scenic vistas of Long Island? Sunken Meadow State Park, with its 27 holes designed by the visionary Alfred Tull, offers an unparalleled golfing experience that blends challenge with the beauty of nature.
Nestled in the heart of Suffolk County, Sunken Meadow State Park presents a golfing destination unlike any other. The courses here are not merely built; they are sculpted into the landscape, embracing the natural contours of the terrain. This approach, a hallmark of Alfred Tull's design philosophy, ensures that each hole presents a unique test of skill, demanding strategic play and rewarding precision. The parks three distinct courses, the Green, Red, and Blue, each offer a distinctive character, promising a diverse and engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The legacy of Sunken Meadow is woven into the very fabric of Long Island's golfing history. Designed by the acclaimed Alfred Tull, the courses opened their fairways to the public in the early 1960s, with the Green and Red courses debuting in 1962, followed by the Blue course in 1964. Tull's design philosophy, characterized by an intuitive understanding of the land, shines through in every aspect of the courses. He skillfully incorporated the natural features of the landscape, creating a playing experience that feels both challenging and harmonious with its environment. The courses play up and down the hills, offering stunning views of the Long Island Sound, and the mature woodlands provide a serene and picturesque backdrop for your game. The Sunken Meadow golf courses present moderate challenges, appealing to golfers of all levels.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Architect | Alfred H. Tull |
| Location | Governor Alfred E. Smith Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park, NY 11754 |
| Courses | Green, Red, Blue |
| Holes | 27 |
| Green and Red Course Opening | 1962 |
| Blue Course Opening | 1964 |
| Course Description | Hilly, wooded golf courses with varying challenges |
| Notable Feature | Scenic views of the Long Island Sound |
| Management | Robert Frigeria (Clubhouse Manager) |
| Website Reference | NYS Parks Website |
Alfred Tull's design prowess is evident in the layout of each course at Sunken Meadow. Tull, a figure in the realm of golf course architecture, possessed a knack for understanding the land, an ability that is clearly visible in the flow and strategic demands of the courses. His influence can also be seen in his work at Bethpage State Park, where he designed the Yellow Course and renovated the Blue Course. The fact that he often laid out courses without extensive consultation reflects his innate understanding of what makes a golf course both playable and memorable.
The Red Course, with a length of 3,133 yards, strikes a balance, offering a middle-ground challenge for golfers. All three courses are masterfully designed to work with the natural layout of the land, creating a harmonious blend of challenge and natural beauty. The courses are designed to use the natural contours of the land, incorporating existing terrain into the design. This means that each hole feels unique, requiring you to think strategically, making every round a fresh and engaging experience.
Visiting Sunken Meadow is about more than just playing golf; it's about immersing yourself in a natural setting that enhances the game. The courses wind their way through mature woodlands, and the vista from the driving range presents you with the glistening waters of the Long Island Sound. If you are a golf lover, you must definitely visit these beautiful grounds at least once. The park's location, easily accessible on Long Island's north shore, makes it an ideal escape for a day of sport and relaxation. The courses aren't maintained to a championship level, but they do provide an enjoyable and scenic experience.
Before you head out to the greens, it is recommended that you arrive at least an hour before your scheduled tee time. This gives you ample opportunity to warm up on the driving range, located on-site. The driving range, with its single practice tee, offers a great space to hone your skills and prepare for the challenges ahead. The park has an onsite driving range with 1 practice tees.
When planning your visit, you can find the latest rates and tee times. The estimated green fees for a round of 9 holes are approximately $65. Booking your round through services such as GolfLink makes the process easy. Also, state residents can book tee times seven days in advance, starting at 7 p.m.
Sunken Meadow State Park offers a diverse golfing experience that combines natural beauty with the challenge of the sport. The courses are a testament to the vision of Alfred Tull, making Sunken Meadow a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
