Centennial GC, Carmel, NY

[EAF]

I'm heading up to NY on Tuesday. I'm trying to decide if it is worth a two hour drive from Long Island to play the Centennial GC in Carmel NY. If you recommend going there, which 2 of the 3 nines (Meadows, Lake, or Fairways) are the best? Thanks.

[Brad Klein]

What's the alternative?

[EAF]

The nearest alternatives are Branton Woods or Richter Park.

[Brad Klein]

I was hoping for your sake that the alternatives were Winged Foot, Quaker Ridge or Fenway. If those other courses are your alternatives, then by all means, shlep up to Centennial.

[EAF]

I would be trilled to join you at WF, QR, or Fenway. Just tell when and where on Thursday (7/21) or Saturday! Otherwise, how would rate Mansion Ridge as an alternative. I have also considered driving east to Tallgrass as an option.

[Geoffrey Childs]

EAF

I really don't like Centenial or Mansion Ridge.

Branton Woods will be a much more enjoyable round. I liked that golf course quite a bit.

Tallgrass is probably your best option if you are on Long Ialand although I have no idea why you didn't mention Bethpage. No visit to Long Island for golf is complete without a visit to the best muni golf in the US.  

[Mike_Sweeney]

1. Branton Woods has that big Westchester feel except for 2 holes that got stuck in a corner. Very nice course. Golf Digest type of course, in fact it is #25 or so on their NY list.

2. Tall Grass - Fun and sporty type of course. Let's call it a Golfweek course

3. Links @ Union Vale - First couple of holes have environmental issues, after that very nice.

4. Centennial. Nice facility, awkward property.

[EAF]

I used to live in Farmingdale and am staying near there. BB is hosting the NY State Open all next week and I really don't have the desire to sleep in the parking lot for the 100th time to play the Red course while I'm on vacation! I guess I'm spoiled by easy tee times and plenty of good courses here in Orlando.

I might even drive to Rockland Lake St. Park to enjoy an old favorite.

The Links at Union Vale look good and the price is right, but it's just a little too far north.

[Mike_Sweeney]

I used to live in Farmingdale and am staying near there.

Whitten on Branton Woods
http://www.golfdigest.com/courses/critic/index.ssf?/courses/critic/brantonwoods.html

I would stick with Tall Grass or Long Island National and avoid the traffic. If I was going to make a drive from Farmingdale, it would be out to Montauk Downs.

[EAF]

Thanks for the link Mike.

Montauk Downs.... now there's an interesting idea. I used to only go there in the spring or fall to avoid the beach traffic. Thanks for the input everyone.