Shelter Island golf courses are some of the most beautiful courses on Long Island. Whether you’re a novice or pro, you can bet on having a great day playing golf on Shelter Island. But you have to know where to go.

While there’s no shortage of golf on Shelter Island, some clubs are private while others are open to the public. If you’re thinking about swinging some clubs at a golf course on or near Shelter Island, the Hamptons, or North Fork, follow along as we bring you the official Shelter Island golf guide. We’re rounding up the best Shelter Island golf and golf on Long Island. 

Read on as break down the details around Shelter Island golf courses, Shelter Island country clubs and all golf throughout Long Island. You’ll know where to go, when to play, and which courses offer the best golf. Get your clubs ready. Golf is one of the best ways to experience Shelter Island.

Where to Play Golf On Shelter Island

Shelter Island golf courses span two different courses. One is a public course and one is a private course. On a public course, you can simply sign up for a tee time, pay for your golf, and rent clubs and a cart. It’s an easy, no-strings-attached way to play golf. Conversely, at a private course, or country club, you must apply to be a member. You’ll interview with various members or committees and have other members endorse you. Then, upon admittance, you pay a membership fee and annual fees that allow you to access the golf course and other social offerings and amenities.

While it’s more expensive to join a country club, access does allow some benefits. Namely, you can play golf nearly anytime you want, as the number of golfers is more limited. You also get added benefits like social outings, onsite amenities, and a more communal, club-like feel. The golf course might be better tended given it’s private. If you’re deciding which Shelter Island golf course to play and you’re not a member, you are relegated to the public course. You can also work with golf instructors and take lessons at a country club. Country clubs offer more services, like caddies, luxurious facilities and tournaments throughout the season.

The Top 8 Golf Clubs In and Around Shelter Island

1. Gardiners Bay Country Club

Shelter Island’s only private country club, Gardiners Bay Country Club, was established in 1896. It’s one of the finest places to play golf on Long Island. Members enjoy a challenging 18 hole, par 70 course. They also have golf and social events for the entire family and a renowned Junior Golf School. There’s a newly renovated clubhouse offering fine and casual dining. If members want to host events, there’s a beautiful venue for a wedding, anniversary celebration or party. The club boasts some of the best water views on the East End and offers a total country club experience. Set on some of the most private, tranquil grounds of Shelter Island, this club is located right near some of the best hiking spots on the island with beautiful views at every turn.

2. Shelter Island Country Club

Known affectionately as “Goat Hill,” Shelter Island Country Club is a historic, nine-hole public golf course. It was established in 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue spans over 2,500 yards of hilly terrain. The club is also situated on one of the highest points on the island. You can see Peconic Bay and Dering Harbor from nearly any vantage point. You’re also right near Crescent Beach and some of the more private beaches on the island. You can warm up before your round at the driving range. Golf carts, pull cards, and clubs are available for rent. 

SICC membership rates start at $500 and go up to $1,052 for a family. Membership fees for singles, couples, families, and junior golfers are among the most affordable on the East End. Other amenities available at SICC include the clubhouse, which is perfect for formal celebrations and meetings. There’s also Flying Goat restaurant, which is a lowkey bar-like eatery with sweeping views of Shelter Island. You’re also very close to Sunset Beach, 18 Bay, and other Shelter Island restaurants. For junior golfers, there’s a junior golf program for kids aged 7-16 years old. 

3. East Hampton Golf Club

Hop on the South Ferry and head to the Hamptons for some Long Island golf. East Hampton Golf Club is a golf club in Amagansett situated on former farmland owned by a local East Hampton family. It’s considered one of the best golf courses in New York. The 18-hole layout was designed by world renowned golf course architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. The course offers a challenging and contrasting mix of holes played on inland links and parkland style natural contours. The greens have been called a hidden gem by many visiting golf professionals and writers.

Prior to EHGC’s opening in June 2000, the idea of turning the 126 acre parcel of land into a golf course had been contemplated for 50 years. Pete Bistrian owned and farmed a portion of the land for decades, but envisioned the possibility of building a golf course on his property. In 1978 the Bistrian family broke ground on a nine hole golf course that Bistrian was instrumental in designing. The course existed for nearly 20 years before the family members decided to contact golf course architects and create an 18 hole course. 

With 250 members, EHGC has been awarded the prestigious “platinum club designation” as a top 50 golf club in the country. The award is voted on by a panel of experts including industry leaders, owners and managers. In addition, EHGC boasts a 20,000 square foot clubhouse opened to members and guests. The exterior design features cedar shingles and river stone while the interior provides a contemporary design.

5. Maidstone Club

The Maidstone Club is considered the most exclusive, elite golf course on Long Island. It was named one of Golf.com’s 40 best places to golf in New York. It’s named after East Hampton’s original name, Maidstone, named after Maidstone in England. It was founded as a 7-hole course in 1894 and expanded to eighteen holes in 1899. The club was the summer retreat of New York City’s most wealthy and socially connected families. The beautiful course and clubhouse offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Many consider playing there as an experience of a lifetime. 

The Maidstone Club offers AAA golf, tennis, four-star dining, a family oriented beach club with children’s activities. There are professional golf, tennis, and swimming lessons. You can also rent a cabana on the private beach. Willie Dunn laid out the first course in 1894. It was but a rudimentary seven-hole layout. Seth Raynor drew up re-design plans in 1921. Then in 1924 Willie Park, Jr. and his brother Jack designed the 80-acre Gardiner Peninsula addition. The expansion resulted in the club having two 18-hole courses, but this was reduced to the current 27-hole layout. 

6. North Fork Country Club

Are you looking for more Shelter Island golf? Take the ferry to the North Fork. North Fork Country Club is a private golf and country club in the heart of the North Fork. It’s surrounded by water, green space, and the fabulous wineries of the North Fork. If you’re on the North Fork, it’s a great place to play Long Island golf. The golf at NFCC offers competitive and social events for the club’s professional and leisure players.

There’s a Full Swing and Short Game practice facility, 18 and nine hole ladies league with weekly play, and tournaments along with clinics during the summer. There are also weekly men’s groups with mixed formats throughout the season, as well as a junior golf program that offers advanced instruction. You can sign your kids up for camps throughout the summer, junior championship, as well as an interclub team. You can also find  member-guest events, mixed couples events, and championships.

7. Pine Hills Golf and Country Club

Long Island golf clubs are often private, which means you can’t play unless you’re a member. But, there are some public courses just a stone’s throw from Shelter Island. Situated in the Pine Barrens region near Manorville on the North Fork, Pine Hills Golf and Country Club is delicately tucked away in what is practically a nature preserve. The luscious fairways and greens are surrounded by stunning, tall pines that guide you through the 165 acres and over 7,000 yards of playing area.

If you’re craving some Shelter Island golf opportunities, this course is right for you. It’s a well-maintained public course that gives players the private country club feel. You can book a private corporate outing or take friends and family on a relaxing excursion. Take a private lesson with a pro or practice all year with their chipping area and putting green. There is also a full bar and restaurant open to the public as well as golf cart rentals. You’ll have an enjoyable Long Island golf experience at Pine Hills.

8. Rock Hill Golf Club

The Rock Hill Golf Club is another beautiful public course located in Manorville on the North Fork. Like Pine Hills, this club is famous for group outings and tournaments. There are shotgun outings and first tee events where tee times can be booked by groups of 16 people or more. You can create personalized tournament-style play with co-workers or other types of parties. Rock Hill also comes equipped with a high-end golf shop, driving range, and a teaching studio. There is also a restaurant available with full catering service. It’s fabulous for accommodating large groups but also pampers small parties and individuals.

If you want to improve your swing, a top-tier instructor runs the golf academy at the Long Island golf club. He is ranked as one of America’s top 50 golf teachers. The course is entirely open to the public, and costs around $50 for a round with walking, depending on the season. Anyone can pay this nominal fee to set up a tee time. For those who may find themselves frequenting this course on a more regular basis, Rock Hill offers a variety of membership packages.

9. Montauk Downs

Montauk Downs is probably the best public golf club in the Hamptons. New York State residents may qualify for half-priced green fees and other perks. It’s a challenging yet entertaining course that offers the most seasoned golfer the beauty of the game in a beautiful setting. Located Inside an incredible state park, this course feels completely isolated along the eastern shores of Long Island. Golfers are sure to enjoy this beautifully remote place to play. Players contend with the thickly wooded areas, natural ponds, and the winds from nearby Lake Montauk and the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re spending time on Shelter Island, this Long Island golf course is for you.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to play some Shelter Island golf, you’ll need to know where you can play. Whether public or private, Long Island golf courses are the best in the world. You’ll have a great time and improve your stroke by getting out on the course