Dev Emmet's Seawane

[Jeff_Lewis]

I just received an unsolicited dvd from Seawane. Looks like Stephen Kay is doing a good renovation here. Has anybody been there this year?

[Brad Klein]

I caddied there 35 years ago, went back in 1989 and was impressed with those Stephen Kay-renovations, then went back this year 2x to see and play it after the latest, total renovation/restoration by S. Kay and was stunned with how wonderful it was. It's a real sleeper that has now been  amazingly revived, though I suspect it's as much Kay as Emmett, but in any case, it looks intensely classic - like one of those 1920s images amped up on a computer. Some very weak RTJ work was undone in the process. I was thrilled that the members let them do it; it's worth a visit. Highly recommeneded, as I suggested in the latest newsletter to the Golfweek raters.

[DTaylor18]

Good timing.  I just played it with several GCA'ers on sunday (thanks Jason!).  I had no particular expectations since I had never been there before, but it was very good.  It was an extremely windy day which made the course much tougher.  Since it's on the water, wind is one of its main defenses.  There was a lot of fescue and mounds on the sides of the fairways which made it more challenging off the tee than one would expect from a course that looked so open.  One of the strengths of the course is the short par 4's. There are a number of them, including my favorite hole, the 291 par 4 4th hole with a deep bunker in the landing zone of the drive for someone going for the green.  The short 10th and 12th holes were excellent too.  There is also a canal running through it, some views of the water, and a lot of different "looks" throughout the course.  The par 3's were especially challenging as they all played long.  There are three holes left to go in the changes being made, as well as the driving range.  From what I saw, i have no reason to believe that it won't get even better.  

[Jeff_Lewis]

Thanks for the info guys.  Sounds like it is worth a visit for sure.

[Jimmy Muratt]

Seawane is a very good golf course and quite demanding as well, especially with the strong wind that we recently played it in.  The recent renovations are all for the better and have given the course a unique look and feel to it.  Make sure to look at the before renovation photos down near the men's locker room.   It will really give you an appreciation for the work done.

I absolutely love #18 now after the renovation.  The green complex is a dead ringer for a Raynor.  There are very deep, flat bunkers surrounding the green.  It really looks like a "Knoll" green complex.

[Mike_Golden]

Bill,

There's a good chance that it was my father-in-law (or one of his good friends) who bought all those trees-he was a member for over 30 years

The course renovation sounds really great, unfortunately I'll most likely never play it, though.  I don't understand how you had a difficult time finding it, it's so easy to drive through Hewlett Harbor-you go in from East Rockaway Road, make a right at the Shapiro's house, a left at the Rosenberg's, a right at the Schwartz's, and there you are...

By the way, for anyone else making the trip to Hewlett Harbor, make sure you stop at Wall's Bakery in Hewlett for some takeout-they have some great stuff.

[Donnie Beck]

I have never been there, but I know the superintendent well. The only thing I can add is the course is in good hands.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Brad Klein,

Everyone who was familiar with the course, who have played it recently, have echoed your sentiments.

I'm hoping to get in a round if the weather remains mild this fall, if not, there's always next spring.

[blasbe1]

I'm happy to host any GCAers interested in playing Seawane and seeing the work that we've been doing.  IM me or email me off line at www.jblasberg@blasberglaw.com if interested.  Only thing is that if you looking to play this fall you should get out this week, as of Oct. 4 we are shutting down the three unrenovated holes.  Weekdays work for me too so just give me a shout.