Good luck trying to find a hotel or rental in the Hamptons for June. Usually, this month is one of the easier times to book during the summer. However, with the U.S. Open taking place from June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, demand is skyrocketing. Golf enthusiasts are certainly willing to spend a lot to be there. The course, while stunning, is just one reason golfers flock to the region. Gaining access to a private club in the Hamptons can be incredibly pricey, even if you meet the social requirements. Membership fees can start anywhere from $175,000 to a staggering $1.8 million before tax, plus annual fees that can range from about $25,000 to $65,000. (The clubs haven’t disclosed exact costs due to privacy concerns.) That said, some public greens are definitely worth checking out, with prices often starting at around $40 and maxing out just over $100 per round. Here’s a glimpse into some of the top spots for golf in the East End.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Established in 1891, this club in Southampton has hosted the U.S. Open five times, with the last occurrence being in 2018. It will host the event again this year. With a links-style layout situated between Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it stands as one of the five original members of the United States Golf Association. Former President Bill Clinton is among its notable players, along with individuals like Jimmy Dunn and Michael Bloomberg.
Sebonack Golf Club
This Southampton club was designed by two golf legends, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak, who bring contrasting visions to the course. Located next to Shinnecock on Great Peconic Bay, it offers breathtaking views and was the venue for the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open. Celebrity golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson, have graced its greens, and Stephen Ross is also known to be a member.
American National Golf Links
Another gem in Southampton’s Peconic Bay, this English-style course is regularly heralded as one of the world’s top 10 courses. Its iconic seventh hole mimics the “Road Hole” from the famed Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. The club has hosted many prestigious events, including the first and 44th Walker Cups, attracting notable figures like Arnold Palmer and Warren Buffett as past players.
Atlantic Golf Club
Opened in 1992 and designed by Rhys Jones, this newer links course in Bridgehampton features rolling hills without water traps. Founded by Lowell Shulman, an avid golfer and developer, it was built on a former potato farm. The Atlantic is known for its charity event, “The Gust,” which supports local causes and has drawn names like Bill Clinton and Stephen Schwartzman. Interestingly, its dining room is famous not just for its steaks and seafood but also for its remarkable peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
The Bridge
In contrast to many traditional courses, this one boasts a modern glass clubhouse and a more relaxed dress code—jeans are acceptable. However, the initiation fees can be daunting. Set on the former Bridgehampton racecourse, this course offers stunning views and is frequented by a heavyweight roster of celebrities, including Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Its founder, Robert Rubin, not only created the course but also runs a nonprofit aimed at merging golf with tutoring in Harlem.
Friars Head
This relaxed club in Riverhead encourages members and guests to walk the course instead of zooming in carts. It features a grand stone clubhouse and views of Long Island Sound. Famous faces like Samuel L. Jackson and Phil Mickelson have been seen enjoying the game here, alongside NBA legends like Charles Barkley and Bill Russell.
Maidstone Club
Belonging to many old-money families, including the Whitneys, this exclusive East Hampton Country Club combines beach access with golf. What sets Maidstone apart is its natural beauty; the course winds dramatically through dunes and seagrass, forming a stunning backdrop against the Atlantic Ocean.
Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club
With its park-like ambiance and elevated viewpoints, this private club in Westhampton attracts notable athletes such as Tommy Hilfiger and Kelsey Grammer, who appreciate the less formal and welcoming atmosphere.
Cherry Creek Golf Links + Cherry Creek Forest
These connected public courses in Riverhead provide affordable golfing options for both locals and visitors without the hassle of restrictive membership requirements. Cherry Creek features a more open layout, while Cherry Creek Forest is characterized by tree-lined fairways.
Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
This course replaced the private Montauk Golf and Racquet Club after its bankruptcy, and it has since gained a reputation as one of the top public courses in New York State. Players face stronger winds than sand traps on this rugged, scenic layout, which has welcomed famous visitors like Bill Clinton.
