Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

The Vineyards Golf Club

67

Riverhead, New York

NY #70
Established
2005
Architect
William H. “Buddy” Johnson
Access
Private
Par
Par 70
Length
4,730 – 5,873 yds
The verdict

A Local Private Gem

The Vineyards Golf Club is a finely conditioned, modern parkland layout built for the private club member seeking a relaxed but exacting test. It’s a compact, thoughtfully routed course focused on playability and solid amenities, standing out as a local favorite with a hum of member camaraderie. Don’t expect national-travel drama, but do expect an approachable, high-quality round if you have coveted guest access.

Course DNA
Difficulty
64
Scenery
66
Conditioning
78
Shot Variety
68
Walkability
74
Green Complexity
65
Wow Factor
59
Design Quality
62
Don't miss

There is no driving range, so arrive early to make use of the practice nets behind the clubhouse before your round.

At a glance

Quick facts

Bentgrass Greens
Premium bentgrass putting surfaces throughout
No Driving Range
Warm-up nets only, with no full practice range
Rebranded Club
Formerly known as Olde Vine Golf Club
Course Rating
68.7 (Back tees, Par 70, 5,873 yards)
Signature Par 5s
Four par 5s balanced across both nines
Charity Classic Host
Annual site of local and collegiate tournaments
Short, Smart Layout
Longest tee just under 6,000 yards
The design

The architecture

The Vineyards Golf Club blends classic parkland sensibility with subtle modern touches, wrapping 18 holes in tailored bentgrass and a walkable, easy-to-navigate footprint. William H. “Buddy” Johnson’s routing is pragmatic, using the available land for a balance of reachable par 5s, exacting par 4s, and welcoming short holes. Conditions and playability are the mantra here, delivering a reliable daily club experience without headline-grabbing drama.

A locally-rooted design by William H. “Buddy” Johnson, focusing on efficient use of space with member playability top of mind.

Defining features
  • Compact parkland routing with limited elevation change
  • Bentgrass fairways and greens for premium putting
  • Four distinct par 5s, one on each side of the turn
  • Absent of massive forced carries; penal hazards kept modest
  • Subtle green complexes that reward controlled approaches
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 1

Opening Invitation

PAR
5
YARDAGE
481

The round opens with a reachable par 5, giving players a rare birdie opportunity right out of the gate. Stay straight off the tee and you're primed for a confident second shot toward a friendly green. Smart play means working toward position—a gentle launch to your round that sets a positive tone.

Play it smart

Favor a controlled tee ball to avoid early hazards, then decide whether to attack in two or lay up short for a precise wedge.

Where it bites

A nervy opening swing or lapse in focus brings trees and rough into play, making a risky overaggressive attack a quick ticket to trouble.

Course management

Shots to think about

First tee nerves on Hole 1
Focus on accuracy over distance—opening with a straight drive trumps chasing a long opening birdie.
Downwind on the par-5s
Assess your true yardage and resist the urge to force a heroic second; a well-placed layup yields more birdies here.
Long-iron approach on Hole 7
Play to the front or the safest side; a par is often a win on this hole.
Breezy short par 3s
Club up and favor smooth tempo—the wind trickiness is real, even at 130 yards.
Pinned behind a bunker
Take your medicine—landing center green or leaving an uphill chip is usually the smart play on these modest-sized greens.
Late-round on 18
Stay disciplined off the tee and avoid the short-side miss; fortune favors composure on the home hole.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Consistent, well-kept bentgrass from tee to green—expect reliable lies and smooth putting surfaces.

Pace

Varies—usually efficient, but can bottleneck behind slower groups, especially on weekends.

Vibe

Members-only club with a sociable but not overly formal atmosphere, focused on quality and community.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Preview the Scorecard

Study the mix of short and mid-length holes to plan your club selection and risk appetite early.

02

Sharpen Your Short Game

With compact, subtly contoured greens, touch and feel around the putting surface are real scoring separators.

03

Confirm Guest Details

Touch base with your host for up-to-date club policies, particularly on attire and check-in procedures.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 2005

    Course opened, designed by William H. “Buddy” Johnson

  2. c. 2005

    Originally operated as Olde Vine Golf Club

  3. 2025

    Hosts the Farmingdale State College Golf Classic

  4. 2026

    Hosts the Horse Head Invitational

Stories & legends

What makes it special

identity

Rebranding for the Next Generation

After opening as Olde Vine Golf Club, the club refreshed its identity and amenities with a rebrand to The Vineyards Golf Club, ushering in a new era of contemporary private-club golf on the East End.

events

Charity Events Connect Community

Annual tournaments like the Farmingdale State College Golf Classic and Horse Head Invitational make The Vineyards a hub for local philanthropy and spirited competition among regional golfers.

layout

A Compact, Playable Start

With the opening hole offering a tempting par 5 and the course stretching under 6,000 yards from the tips, the design welcomes players of all skill levels while still rewarding accuracy and smart play.

conditioning

Bentgrass All the Way Through

Players regularly praise the smooth, rolling bentgrass surfaces—proof of the club's attention to conditioning, even on a tight modern footprint.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

The club operates without a full driving range—rare among modern private designs.

2

The property switched from Olde Vine to Vineyards Golf Club in its first decade, aiming to signal a refreshed member vision.

3

Built entirely on open inland terrain, it has no forced carries or water hazards common to many Long Island “Vineyard” courses.

4

The club is a long-standing charity tournament host, building a strong local legacy.

Build the trip

When You're Exploring Long Island’s Golf Scene

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Friar’s Head
Private

The region’s most coveted modern private, a must-see if you can score an invite.

Long Island National Golf Club
Public

A strong, accessible public option just minutes from Vineyards for non-members.

Baiting Hollow Club
Semi-Private

Welcoming to guests with a daily-fee model and solid conditions.

Rock Hill Golf & Country Club
Public

One of the area’s best and most practical walk-ins for visiting golfers.

The Bridge
Private

Another highly regarded private that’s big on both challenge and exclusivity.

Riverhead for most convenient central access to private and public East End courses

Course DNA

If You Like The Vineyards Golf Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

Strong DNA Match7.8

Elyria Country Club

Elyria, Ohio

Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Elyria Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to The Vineyards Golf Club.

Strong DNA Match7.5

Roanoke Country Club

Roanoke, Virginia
Conditioning

Why it matches: If The Vineyards Golf Club is your kind of course, Roanoke Country Club is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.

Strong DNA Match7.5

Tacoma Country & Golf Club

Lakewood, Washington

Why it matches: If The Vineyards Golf Club is your kind of course, Tacoma Country & Golf Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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