By Tim Garvin
In 1921, the Amagansett Golf Club was founded on a stretch of land located between East Hampton and Montauk, N.Y. The area was originally considered by Charles Blair Macdonald for his masterpiece, National Golf Links of America. Amagansett Dunes and Napeague Beach offered one of the best natural links lands in the United States. But due to the massive amount of sand and lack of soil, these areas were dismissed as viable golf course options.
Moving inland was the only option, and a 3,738-yard, nine-hole course with a par of 37 was built with greens based loosely on complexes designed by Macdonald and Seth Raynor. The Amagansett Golf Club opened in 1921, adjacent to the Amagansett train station, which fed this area of the Hamptons with travelers from New York City. The original clubhouse was a short walk or carriage ride from the still-existing train station. Sometime during the later part of the Great Depression and World War II, the club was abandoned for a greater need, potato farming.
In 1959, local residents decided to purchase some of the property back and recreate the course and clubhouse with their own hands. Drawing from memory of the original design, they embarked on the challenging task of fitting nine holes into the space previously occupied by just six, as they were only able to secure a smaller portion of the property. This short course became South Fork County Club. For 40 years, the club became a local favorite for golf and social activity, and the members reveled in the anonymity of their hidden gem.
In 1996, the club leadership became aware that the property across the street of Old Stone Highway, where the missing three holes were located, plus more acreage for a total of 55 acres, was available for purchase, so they decided to convert their nine holes to 18. Finding a designer who would be cost-effective for this small club was the next task. Enter Gil Hanse, a fledgling designer who had just left working with Tom Doak.
Relatively unknown with no major credits to his name, Gil was the perfect choice for this small club on a budget. He went to work in 2000 and created a new nine that is now the front nine. With limited space, Gil created a masterpiece with stunning vistas, risk-reward, and fun. Upon completion, the scene was set for a Hanse return to redesign the original nine holes.
In 2015, the club enlisted Gil again to design a short game area that rivals any club. With four bunkers and an expansive green that resembles his course designs, the area has become a popular destination for members looking to practice and socialize.
In 2018, the club formed a master plan with Gil to redesign the original nine holes. The project was broken up into three phases due to member access concerns and, more importantly, the immense popularity of Gil’s work worldwide. Never forgetting his roots, Gil signed on to a near-impossible project: How to design a great nine out of 43 acres of property that matches his original design from 2000. The finished product is a work of art and “could possibly be the best work Jim Wagner and I have done given the space,” he has said.
The newly re-formed Amagansett Golf Club is a testament to the years of hard work and commitment that Gil Hanse has devoted to this property. Loyalty lies deep, and Hanse’s hand has now touched every hole at the club. South Fork Country Club was the canvas, and the finished product is the polished Amagansett Golf Club, destined to be one of the finest shorter courses in the world. Measuring 6,075 from the black markers and a par 69, Amagansett Golf Club and South Fork Country Club have had quite the journey to the current day, and although somewhat overshadowed by its famous neighbors, the Amagansett Golf Club holds its own as the only Gil Hanse design on Long Island, and the only course that can boast both an original design and a redesign by arguably the best golf course designer in the world.
The par 3s are all different yardages, and every one of them is quite unique. You never get bored or select the same club. Each hole requires thought and a little extra time in club selection, especially the first time you play.
But the work continues as many architects of his caliber look back on early designs and see room for improvement. The Amagansett Golf Club is happy to have that allegiance and commitment, designating Gil an honorary member of the club in 2024. The club has recently engaged Gil to return in 2027 for a refurbishment of his original design from 2000.
Although there have been many changes over the past 100 years, the club still finds itself where it was in 1921 – a great golf course located on one of the finest pieces of golf property in the Hamptons. This transformation could not have been made possible without the forethought of club leaders and Gil’s creative genius.
Making a great course within a confined space takes ingenuity, creative thought, hard work, and a great designer. The club is thankful to Gil and his team for their time and commitment to the membership of Amagansett Golf Club.
Tim Garvin has been the director of golf at Amagansett for 23 years.
Course photography by Angel Mato