On the shore edge of Peconic Bay at Southampton on Long Island is the National Golf Links of America. “I will not describe that delightful spot again.” Wrote Bernard Darwin in Golf Between Two Wars. “It is one of the best and most enchanting of courses.” Known simply as ‘National’, this is the ultimate design creation from the father of American golf course architecture. Charles Blair Macdonald apparently coined the term ‘golf architect’ and his National is a complete masterpiece.
Macdonald’s ambition was to create the greatest course in the United States and he started his mission in 1902 by making the first of five annual summer trips to the UK. He compiled details of important features of golf holes analysing why weak holes were often dull and what really made good holes good. In 1907, using his extensive knowledge, he set about creating the greatest golf course of its time. The National Golf Links finally opened for play in 1909 to a rapturous standing ovation.
Quick Facts
- Holes 18
- Par 71
- Length 6811 yards
- Slope 132
- Rating 74.2
- Year built: 1995
- Architect(s): Robert Trent Jones, Jr.,Kyle Phillips
- Greens: Bermuda Tif Dwarf
- Season: Year round
Championship Hosted
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