Pelham Bay at Pelham/Split Rock Golf Course

I played the Split Rock course, and the numerous grounds keepers had it all decked out in tip top shape. This is in stark contrast to two years ago, when the fairways fell into disrepair; weeds grew out of the bunkers; brown greens prevailed, and the swarms of mosquitos never heard of DEET. (The eighth and ninth fairways lie next to a tidal wetland.)

I vowed that I would never play this course again. It's a pity, because I live a mile and a half from the place. The blame squarely rests on the previous mayoral administration, which couldn't have cared less about the sport.

This outing was perfect. There was a slight breeze and not a mosquito in site. I showed up at the starter's hut and the starter waved me right onto the course all by myself. As is my custom, I play efficiently until I spot the foursome ahead of me. Then my playing becomes a clinic practicing challenging shots. I spend the down time scrounging up balls in the glades, where the poison ivy thrives, (Don't even think of doing it unless you know how.) and I squander those balls on challenging drops and over-the-top swings that send them back where they came from.

A solo golfer trailed me, and I would have asked him to join up, but I believe he was playing in a style comparable to mine. At any rate, he dropped out after the ninth hole, and nobody else caught up to me. During play, my only conversation was with the cart lady. Be forewarned that I played on a Wednesday. On weekends, the parking lot, which I frequently pass, is packed.

I finished off by having lunch in the tap room. The food gets two thumbs up. FYI Split Rock and Pelham Bay lie next to each other and are separated by the Metro North train line. The club house hosts receptions for weddings, business meetings and charitable golf outings. On weekends, I can hear the wedding band's spicy salsa music from my backyard. My gardening suddenly becomes rhythmic.

This sizable complex could definitely use a driving range. That said, the Turtle Cove driving range lies less than a mile away.

I look forward to playing the Pelham Bay course next week. That course is more forgiving. It is less woodsy and features wider fairways, where out-of-bounds means you will find your shanker on the adjacent fairway.

It was a very nice day weatherwise, but it really wasn’t worth it, it took me over three hours to play nine holes so I had to leave without playing 18. there was no Ranger whatsoever anywhere to be seen, and there was a lot of foursomes that weren’t playing at pace. When I went to return the cart and I told the staff that I was going to require a refund because of the extreme Lopez, they asked if I had screamed at the two groups in front of me, I told them that that’s his job not mine, we pay the green fees, very expensive green fees to have stuff making sure that the pace is being followed, that shouldn’t be my job, I should just come in play and have fun so yeah, there is appointed that took me three hours to play nine holes and I wasn’t going to spend more than six hours to play around the golf at a mediocre golf course on a Monday.

Rangers need to be better. Pace of play was horrible. Tee’d off 30 minutes late. Trying for a quick 9 before NFL and it took over 3 hours.

Just make sure you bring your own bug spray. The mosquitoes pierce through your shirt and pants.

There are so many mosquitoes on the golf course. Even after applying and spraying mosquito repellent, they still chase me and bite me in many places.

Unless you have a full body net on it's Unplayable

For what they are asking price wise with the course conditions , it’s just not right … no way should it take 6-7 hours to play 18 holes .. the greens were the worst I’ve ever played on . And I do not mind but for 120$ they just not right . The only positive I encountered was the gentleman handing out carts and the starter .. both were super nice gentleman.. personally I would just drive up 20 minutes north to westchester to play nicer courses for half the price …

This would be a good public course however a greeting ground for mosquitoes. They are awful and bug repellent did not matter.. it's a problem that has to be addressed

Have played Pelham Bay Golf Course since the 1980s. The course received a considerable remodeling during the Giuliani Adm. It is a nice place for an average golfer to play. The 9th hole green under the famed tree is a wonderful finish.

My only recommendations are that the 17th and 18th holes could use fairway buckets along the left side of the fairways to breakup the open field like fairways and force play inside away from Shore Road.

Otherwise a conveniently located course from all directions.

Played 7am 9 holes at Pelham, was lovely all around. Mosquitoes still a factor but other than that was a lovely morning.

There are too many mosquitoes. You must prepare a powerful mosquito spray.