On the private side there are dozens and dozens (and dozens) of wonderful courses, including the big names - late-August is a very slow time around here due to vacation schedules etc - certainly the easiest time all summer to get unaccompanied access to courses if you have a pro at your club who can help with enquiries - might be tougher in the Hamptons or other vacation destinations but around Manhattan you should have no trouble at all but a few elite clubs Tuesday through Friday - due to hot weather and low volume of play a lot of clubs do major aeration the last couple weeks of August so check ahead