Built: 1971 Architect: Frank Duane Redesigned: 1985 byCornish & Silva
Description: With the excellent job Monmouth County has done keeping this track in great condition, it is a real treat of parkland golf with the ambiance of a private facility.
The greens are the highlight of the round at Howell Park. (photo courtesy monmouthcountyparks.com)
Built on gently rolling terrain, the fairways and greens weave and bob their way through the subtle elevation changes and create a dynamic that leads to interesting golf shots both off the tee and to the greens. With trees everywhere, some fairways can get narrow, but the course as a whole is still pretty open in most playing areas. The greens are the highlight of the round, as they're quite fast and can show some teeth with subtle undulation that can be hard to read. They are guarded only slightly by some aptly-placed bunkers.
The whole place is beautiful, and the scenic layout also incorporates water on eight holes. It can be a real test for the low-handicapper, as well as a nice track for the mid- to high-handicapper if they're feeling up to it.
Reader Comments: The best shape of any course in the area ... A beautiful woodland setting ... Never boring with a wonderful mix of holes ... The greens got the better of me ... Fun, but tougher than I expected.
Built: 1996 Architect: Charles Jurgens Website: www.cherrycreeklinks.com
Description: The original 18 at Cherry Creek (the other 18, The Woods Course, is ranked No. 30) set the tone for what is now one of the premier upscale public golf facilities on Long Island. It offers both country-club ambiance and conditions at an exceptionally fair price.
The simple green complex at No. 4. (photo courtesy cherrycreeklinks.com)
This 18 is a long, links-style course with some moderately-elevated tees and tricky, undulating greens. Most of the greens are pretty open to approaches, and with a scattering of young trees, it plays fair no matter your skill level or the set of tees you play from.
The course is also open to the breezes and can get to be a tough go-around when the wind is blowing. The rolling fairways are generous and fun considering the length. Water comes into play on four holes, including the 18th, a 644-yard par-6; the only par-6 on L.I.
Readers Comments: Can be a real test even for the better golfer ... A beautiful layout that is always well maintained ... Lush fairways and beautiful greens make it feel like my own country club for the day ... A staple every time I’m on L.I.; could play it every day.