Dan's Papers - September 12, 2008

No doubt you'd agree that our beautiful East End is dotted with some of the most spectacular landscape and beauty, stunning farmlands, open spaces and an abundance of outdoor venues for golfing. Whether private, semi-private or public, the golf courses put a premium on the ever-present rich environmental qualities that make this area so unique. Many such venues, steeped in rich history, such as Shinnecock, National or Maidstone, just to name a few, have gracefully given way to new golfing developments and communities.

One such addition, which opened its golf course in 2005, is Olde Vine Golf Club, located on an expanse of 122 acres in Riverhead. A whispering countryside feel is an immediate reaction to this property. Private homes dotted along the golf course share spectacular views of undisturbed farmland, a Bison ranch (one of the largest) and wineries.

With deep inspiration and commitment to the environment, long-time friends and golf enthusiasts Bruce Barnet and John Blaney conceived the notion of adding another element to the East End. But they didn't want to stop with just a golf course. Instead, they wanted to incorporate a partnership for their members to not only have access to Olde Vine, but to offer the facilities of their neighbor Cherry Creek's two courses, including the driving range. That being noted, this end of the island, in a relatively small area, incorporates over 54 holes of available golf just by virtue of membership at Olde Vine. One can just step outside their front door and meander down to the links of their particular choice and that's not a bad idea for all golf lovers!

Although a bit short at 6,100 yards (additional lengthening to the course is already in their program), Olde Vine is not a course to be taken for granted. Tight fairways require accuracy; otherwise, in this links style course, you will find yourself traipsing through deep fescue or borders of native wildflowers. Of the enduring pleasures of this course, one can only enjoy the natural wildlife, design and undisturbed elements as you progress along in the 18 holes. The ability to enjoy walking and playing in golf is at a premium these days, and Olde Vine provides a much appreciated element to this idea. By utilizing the natural contours of the property instead of fabricating or sculpting, which is often done, the course architect, William Johnson, with shaping by William Kellers, a key designer for Rees Jones, built a challenging layout. There are elevated, well-bunkered greens, and magnificent bent grass, both of which add to the total experience. Rolling fairways require a golfer to think under the most normal of weather conditions, and the East End's prevailing winds, should they stir up, will definitely give cause for any golfer playing here to pay strict attention.

Head golf professional Lee Kaiser offers instruction keenly attuned to amateur needs, and proudly displays a picture of himself at the age of seven with the great Byron Nelson on the walls of a well-stocked pro shop. Interestingly enough, the name of the club was a result of a stroll on the property, when grape vines were discovered, and, consequently, Olde Vine has begun to establish and introduce its own production of wines.

This unique factor certainly adds another layer to the interesting concept of acknowledging the regional tradition of winemaking on the North Fork. Olde Vine combines other elements beyond offering just a golf course and the availability of private housing, including a well-conceived clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole with breathtaking sunsets, designed by the team of Hart & Howerton, who have created such notable facilities as Atlantic Golf Club and Winged Foot. With a well-appointed dining room, serving outstanding food borne out of the efforts of Executive Chef John Ross (recently retired) and now in the hands of Chef Robert Molter, formerlyof the North Fork Table and Inn, Olde Vine Clubhouse offers delectable and interesting fare. The wine room is stocked with an endless supply of fine wines drawing from the vineyards of the North Fork, as well as those that are made from the private grapes on the property. There's no better way to enjoy the pleasures or pain of golfing when you can couple them with fine food and wine!