Montauk Downs State Park

Montauk Downs remains one of the best public golf courses in New York, but the experience is consistently dragged down by the shockingly poor attitude of the staff. I've been playing here for over 20 years, and this level of hostility feels like a recent but growing issue. Our group booked an outing and, as part of the arrangement, we were required to purchase a meal package. Fine—but when we actually went to get the food we paid for, we were treated like we were putting everyone out. That same tone carried across the entire staff. Whether it was the starter, the bartender, the chef, or the ranger, every interaction felt like we were unwelcome. It was so bizarre we started joking with other groups that we were on a hidden camera show. When the service is that universally bad, it's a culture issue—and that starts at the top. I know it's a state-run facility, but whoever's in charge needs to take a hard look at how guests are being treated. It's a shame, because the course itself is still excellent.

I played the course twice the holiday week of the 4th of July.

Overall, I couldn't give it 5 stars because of the silliness and painful process of booking a time. Look, I did it, and it's not difficult, just a bit over the top, shouldn't be this involved. I know, it's a great course, busy, etc. but technology these days should make it easier.

The favor to residents of NY is clear, but still I was able to play, albeit from the leftovers as far as tee times, and again probably the busiest four day stretch these guys had in a row for a long time.

Reviews I read made it seem scary hard and long. I walked the second time I played, it was hot and sticky, I had no trouble, although I was quite sweaty, plenty of walkers actually.

That said, I suspect, and this is ONLY a guess, that they made the course shorter these few days. Here are a few distances, you can compare them to whatever is out there on the web or wherever as far as distances;

1: 360-370 both days

2: 80 and 100

18: 420 and 425. 425 was the longest par 4 on the course, two holes that length.

Track, conditions, layout, staff, greens, facilities, all 5 stars. I would again spend the money. The nature, tranquility, and the other things I mentioned are worth it. 4 hours flat one day, 4:20 second time. Once you get past paying the greens fees at the cashier, you are very comfortable and it's easy to feel as you do at your home course.

I'll go back, although I will have to save up because I am a non resident.

Montauk Downs was phenomenal, checked all the boxes:

- Great condition

- Great value for the money ($91 non-resident on a Friday, would pay that over and over)

- Fun, tough design with firm greens

- Scenic walk through east LI

- Bomb bacon, egg and cheese on a roll with hot sauce, frigid beers.

Book it, can’t miss.

Course has been mentioned as one of the best public courses in the country and it's warranted. Everything about the course is great from the conditions and layout/design. I would rank this up there only behind Bethpage Black in terms of the best public courses in Long Island. The only negatives of the day was the extreme humidity and the amount of bugs (spray is a must).

I think it's worth it if you make a weekend trip out of it and spend a night in Montauk/Hamptons. Otherwise a day trip might be pretty exhausting unless the drive is less than 1.5 hours.

Montauk is my favorite golf walk, challenging, fun, and extremely tough with the wind.

Plenty of risk/reward par 5’s but the course is as picturesque as they come...

This is a stand-out course on a great property for golf. First the downside- almost EVERY greensite is the same: highly elevated green protected front right and left with big high-lipped bunkers (the ones by the water were generally open and not as elevated). It got quite repetitive. That aside, this a terrific course. The property has lots of significant elevations, rolls and slopes and the course routes and moves through them very nicely. It has a good mix of long, medium, and short holes. It has water in a few places that is worked very well into the hole designs. The greens are fairly large with broad slopes and tiers. The fairway widths vary and the rough is not punishing. Fairway bunkers are usually placed near driving areas. The property is a great walk, with the elevations not too severe and the nature setting very nice.

I played this course a long time ago before I really appreciated playing golf. Decided to take a trip out there this week and give it another go. This course is really worth the drive. The price is cheap, which makes the 2.5 hour drive from Queens worth it. The course isn't super long, but if you play it and the wind is up then you will be in trouble. The course has its fair share of long holes and short holes, but all of them are playable. I like that a few holes have water in play and its not just for show. The number escapes me, but one of the par 5s on the front makes you curve the ball around a small lake/big pond to a two tiered green. Very nice looking hole. The course really is a tale of two different 9's. The front is very open and even if you miss, you will still find the ball. The back is a little tighter and forces you to think about your landing zone. Pace of play was very slow with a group of older gentleman really holding everyone up. You really can't complain though because it was a great round and it's not like I had the choice to play National, Shinnecock, Friars head or Sebonack

This course is off the beaten path on the far end of the south fork of Long Island, but if you happen to be in the area as we were for the 2018 U.S. Open, it's worth the trip. Beautiful state park setting, plenty of wildlife, lush fairways and true greens. Staff very friendly. Went out on a Sun 5pm and finished well before dark 18 holes walking in under 3.5 hours. There were a few juniors ahead of us and they facilitated us to play through as soon as possible. Conditions were sunny, 70s, little wind, and quiet. We felt the main challenge were the elevated greens - knowing the trajectory and what approach club to hit.

This was a challenging test of all part of my game - elevated greens, deep bunkers, and the blue tees played longer than the 6500 or so. But an absolutely beautiful walk through wildlife, few houses along the course, good workout to walk it, and starter very friendly. Played on a Sun evening when only juniors were out on the course and the staff let us play through so we finished in 3.5 hours. Greens, fairways, and tee boxes were in pristine condition. Some fairways can be tight, so hit it straight and long to score! I would play again here in a heartbeat. It is off the beaten path, on the extreme tip of south fork of Long Island. Played the week prior to U.S. Open at Shinnecock.

Great track. Challenges all around and for the price, you'll never find this kind of quality matched with challenge.

I love Montauk Downs Golf Course. The unique design, great conditions and wonderful challenge make it my favorite public course next to Bethpage Black and Red. MD is alot of fun to play, never get bored of it.

The Rangers were way out of line and pushed us even though no one was ahead or behind us. stated we were 45 seconds behind pace!

I dont think there was one green that didnt have a large trouble spot. it was horrible to putt these greens.

The woman starter is more concerned about her knitting project than being polite.

Bad experience....

Montauk Downs is out there, way out there, at the tip of Long Island. Its rugged, dunesy setting reminds me a lot of the nine-hole Highland Links on Cape Cod. The only thing missing would be a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. You can tell it's close by because of the breezes. You just can't see it. My favorite view is coming down the 18th fairway toward the unique clubhouse. A handful of ponds define the best holes. It's a fun round on a course that plays much tougher than it looks.

You may be wondering how I gave this a 5 star rating overall, but rated it less than 5 stars in all categories but value. This is my "home" course and is a true test of golf. I have played this course hundreds of times and it is still exciting and challenging. Like Bethpage before its makeover, it is a brilliant design but has a few issues. Each hole presents a unique challenge. It is the only 18 hole public golf in 40 miles so pace of play can be excruciating, particularly in the summer. Head out early or at twilight, or better yet, off season. Be ready for some wind. Check the Montauk weather, if it's blowing 10mph 20 miles away, it's blowing 25 at Montauk. 10 of 18 greens are elevated or uphill and all are heavily bunkered, unless they are fronted by water. Ah, the bunkers. A third of them were re-done five years ago. The others may or may not have sand. A bunker may have plenty of sand on the edge, but hardpan under 1/4" of sand at the bottom. Beware. Swallow your pride and play up a set of tees. This is plenty of golf course for anyone. Errant shots can be easily lost. When it gets dry off the fairway in late summer, there can be some wicked bounces. Considering the amount of play, the greens keeper and his small does a fantastic job with limited resources. The greens are in great condition, and more challenging than Bethpage black. The Pro-shop staff is friendly and professional. The 19th hole, a separate operation, leaves much to be desired. Take a pass. The state should invest a small amount of money back into this course. They would have another gem to be proud of.

If you happen to be on Long Island, and want to play golf on an a really good course, don't eliminate Montauk because of the distance. Bar none - you will be in for a treat when you play Montauk. Much like the Bethpage Complex, this is run by the State of NY. It is kept in immaculate condition, despite the high amount of Summer rounds it sees. It is hard for me to pick a favorite hole. The whole experience is just awesome. Take the drive and play it for yourself. You can't be disappointed.

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Course exceeded our expectations for a public course. Enough challenge for a 12-handicapper.