Bobby Jones' Breakthrough
The 1923 U.S. Open at Inwood saw the legendary Bobby Jones capture his first major championship, launching one of golf’s most storied careers. The tense playoff victory etched both Jones and Inwood into American golf lore.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Inwood Country Club
Inwood, New York
Established
1901
Architect
Dr. William Exton & Arthur Thatcher (original), Edward Eriksen (1906), Herbert Strong (1912 redesign), Jack Mackie (wetland holes 1926), Tom Doak (bunker restoration 1997), Brian Slawnik (restoration consulting)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,617 – 6,647 yds
The verdict
Golden Age With Major Pedigree
Inwood is an architectural classic and a piece of American golf history, defined by its major championship moments and intriguing Golden Age design. Expect rolling fairways over sandy soil, engaging greens, and the unique blend of tradition and challenge that sets Long Island’s elite member clubs apart.
Course DNA
Difficulty
81
Scenery76
Conditioning84
Shot Variety77
Walkability77
Green Complexity87
Wow Factor78
Design Quality86
Don't miss
Look for the famous tree by the 17th tee, planted in a failed attempt to block Walter Hagen—it's a living part of the club's championship lore.
At a glance
Quick facts
Major Championships Hosted
1921 PGA, 1923 U.S. Open
Oldest Holes
Dates to 1901 with Strong’s 1912 redesign
Architectural Style
Golden Age, sandy-soil classic
Recent Renovation
Ongoing restoration by Brian Slawnik
Course Terrain
Flat, estuary-adjacent, classic Long Island
Location To Manhattan
20 miles by car
Club Atmosphere
Traditional, private-member focus
The design
The architecture
Inwood Country Club stands as a testament to Golden Age creativity on gentle, sandy Long Island ground. The course weaves through open estuary-adjacent corridors and restored native areas, challenging players to control approach shots and manage the subtleties of compelling, often canted greens. Recent restoration efforts have peeled back decades of tree growth and bunker changes, reinvigorating Herbert Strong’s strategic intent; the result is a traditional yet dynamic test that rewards thought and touch as much as power.
Herbert Strong’s 1912 redesign set the Golden Age blueprint; later experts like Tom Doak and Brian Slawnik strengthened the links-style restoration.
Defining features
- Firm, fast sandy turf throughout
- Strategically restored bunkering with Doak/Slawnik input
- Classic Golden Age contours and green sites
- Flat, walkable routing with open wind exposure
- Distinct approach and short-game demands
- Historic touches evoking old-world links
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 7
Long Island Peninsula Par 3
PAR
3
YARDAGE
219
One of Inwood's most demanding holes, this lengthy par 3 plays across open ground with wind often nudging shots off line. Its estuary-adjacent setting and tough carry over sand make it a standout challenge that echoes seaside links tests.
Play it smart
Club selection and wind judgment are everything; players who miss left must face a demanding up-and-down from sand or rough.
Where it bites
A gusty crosswind, water left, and unforgiving bunkers compound the challenge and make big numbers possible if you stray.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching firm, sandy greens from the fairway
Bounce the approach short and let the ball release—these greens accept a running shot better than a forced carry.
Windy days on open holes
Keep trajectory low and flight the ball down—links-style knockdowns often beat high-flying bombs.
Short-sided in a restored bunker
Play conservatively out sideways; attempting heroics often leads to doubles with deep sand surrounds.
Tee shot on long par 3s
Overclub rather than risk being short—long is safer with plenty of green depth to work with.
Playing to a tough, canted pin
Favor the low side—putting uphill is a lifesaver on these slick, restored slopes.
Fast, wind-exposed greens
Read extra break and play defensively, especially when the wind picks up off the bay.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Consistently well-kept, fast and firm, with true rolling greens restored to Golden Age standards.
Pace
Efficient private club pace; expect a brisk but unhurried round.
Vibe
Traditional and heritage-focused, with understated member luxury and a touch of old-world formality.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Research Member Traditions
Brush up on Inwood’s unique touches and on-course rituals—local knowledge is prized here.
02
Bring Your Best Iron Game
Approach accuracy and distance control are rewarded more than brute driving distance among these intricate greens.
03
Be Wind Wise
The routing and proximity to the bay expose many holes to breezes; expect to adjust club selection routinely.
04
Respect the Dress
The club upholds a private, traditional standard; confirm specific dress code details before your round.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1901
Club founded and original 9-hole course opened
- 1906
Expanded to 18 holes by Edward Eriksen
- 1912
Complete redesign by Herbert Strong
- 1921
Hosted PGA Championship, won by Walter Hagen
- 1923
Hosted U.S. Open, Bobby Jones’ first major win
- 1926
Jack Mackie adds two wetland holes
- 1997
Tom Doak bunker renovation revives course character
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Walter Hagen Outsmarts the Field
In the 1921 PGA Championship, a frustrated Jack Mackie planted a tree near the 17th tee to block Walter Hagen’s favorite line, only to see Hagen take the title anyway. The tale remains part of Inwood’s enduring tournament folklore.
Restoring the Golden Age
Recent decades have seen Inwood’s leadership embrace architectural restoration, consulting with Tom Doak and Brian Slawnik to revive its firm, rolling sandy character and classic green complexes. The project highlights the course’s commitment to honoring its storied past.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Hosted the 1923 U.S. Open, where Bobby Jones won his first major.
2
Legend holds that Jack Mackie planted a tree to block Walter Hagen’s line in the 1921 PGA—Hagen won anyway.
3
Modern restoration has involved both Tom Doak and Brian Slawnik, rare among private clubs.
4
The course’s sandy base helps maintain firm, fast playing conditions even after heavy rain.
Build the trip
If you’re making a Long Island golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Bethpage Black
Public
The region’s best public-access major venue—test your game against PGA Tour conditions.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Private
Iconic U.S. Open host and the region’s architectural benchmark.
Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
Public
Dramatic cityscape views and seaside feel, open to all.
National Golf Links of America
Private
Essential architectural pilgrimage for Golden Age fans.
Manhattan or Nassau County for maximum flexibility across Long Island venues.
Course DNA
If You Like Inwood Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.1
Lochinvar Golf Club
Houston, TexasGreen Complexity
Why it matches: Lochinvar Golf Club is a natural next stop after Inwood Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Gulf Stream Golf Club
Delray Beach, FloridaWhy it matches: Gulf Stream Golf Club is a natural next stop after Inwood Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Moraine Country Club
Dayton, OhioWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Moraine Country Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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