ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Friar's Head mandates caddies for all play, has no yardage markers, and encourages all golfers to walk for the best experience.
About
Friar's Head is a private course in Riverhead, New York, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 2003. Set across dunes and former farmland with dramatic views of Long Island Sound, the layout is known for its wide fairways, massive greens, and bearded bunkers. The club prioritizes walking and caddie play, with a focus on options and creativity.
Caddie Tip
Friar's Head rewards creative shotmaking and thoughtful play. Use your caddie to help read deceptive green contours and plan strategic lines off the tee. Take note of shifting winds, especially for shots near the Sound, and play for the generous landing areas rather than attacking pins at every opportunity.
The Main Challenge
Navigating Friar's Head's wide but undulating fairways, large greens, and unpredictable coastal winds is tough. Holes framed by dunes or trees require precise planning and execution, while the ever-present wind adds extra complexity, particularly on exposed holes like 15 and 18.
The Good
Golfers rave about Friar's Head's stunning mix of natural dunes, open farmland, and cliffside holes overlooking Long Island Sound. The routing creates a unique journey, with every hole feeling distinct and memorable, and the greens offer tremendous variety and challenge that leaves a lasting impression.
The Not So Good
Some find the rugged terrain physically demanding, especially for those not accustomed to walking 18. The course's exclusivity and lack of yardage markers can be intimidating, and windy conditions near the Sound sometimes make scoring inconsistent from round to round.
Signature Hole:
#
15
The 15th hole is a 460-yard par 4 with an elevated tee shot over a cavernous bunker to a fairway that slopes right to left. The approach is played to a green shielded by trees at the back, offering partial protection from winds off Long Island Sound, making club selection and trajectory crucial.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse provides elegant facilities, fine dining, and comfortable locker rooms. Attention to detail is clear throughout, making for a welcoming experience post-round, with panoramic views and attentive staff ensuring a top-tier private club atmosphere.
Practice Facilities
Practice amenities are exceptional, with a sprawling 30-acre range and a massive 35,000-square-foot putting green reminiscent of the famed Himalayas green at St. Andrews. The club also offers short game areas and expert instruction for members and their guests.
Dress Code:
Strict
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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